optical isomerism 3.3.7 in papers 2 + 3
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define chiral
when 4 different atoms or groups are attached to a carbon atom and so cant be super-imposed on eachother
why are chiral molecules said to be optical isomers?
• they can rotate on the plane of polarised light • if the plane of polarised light is passed through a solution containing one of the enatiomers the plane of polarised light will rotate by a specific angle, the other enatiomer would do the same but rotate in the opposite direction • making the solution racemic
define racemic
a solution containing equal amounts of the enantiomers is optically inactivr since the 2 effects cancel, making it racemic
what are enantiomers?
2 compounds that are optical isomers of eachother - they have the same physical and chemical properties