Optical Isomers

Question 1

structural isomerism definition

Answer 1

same molecular formula
different structural formula

Question 2

stereoisomerism definition

Answer 2

same structural formula
different arrangement of atoms in space

Question 3

what is a chiral carbon

Answer 3

carbon atom bonded to 4 different groups

Question 4

optical isomerism definition

Answer 4

-same structural formula
-different arrangement of atoms in space
-non-superimposable mirror images
-molecules with chiral centres
-rotate the plane of polarised light in opposite directions

Question 5

what is a stereogenic centre

Answer 5

chrical centre

Question 6

what is an asymmetric carbon

Answer 6

chiral centre

Question 7

what is an enantiomer

Answer 7

an optical isomer

Question 8

what is meant when a sample is enantiomerically pure

Answer 8

it only contains one optical isomer

Question 9

what is meant by optically active

Answer 9

sample will only rotate the plane of polarised light in one direction

Question 10

what is meant by a racemic mixture

Answer 10

mixture contains equal amounts of enantiomers