What is a racemic mixture and why is it not optically active?

A racemic mixture contains a 50-50 mixture of two optical isomers. Optical isomers are identical in molecular structure but rotate the plane of polarized light in different directions (one rotates clockwise, the other anticlockwise).As a racemic mixture contains an equal amount of both isomers, they cancel out each other's effect on light and the mixture is notoptically active as a result. An example of this is the formation of the two isomers of 2-hydroxypropanoic acid from ethanal (which can be shows on a whiteboard).

LH
Answered by Labiba H. Chemistry tutor

10291 Views

See similar Chemistry A Level tutors

Related Chemistry A Level answers

All answers ▸

Why does reacting a bromoalkane with ammonia result in a quaternary ammonium salt and not an amine?


What are the special properties of graphite and diamond- why are they different.


Explain the trends in reactivity as you move down group one elements.


What is meant by the term 'Electronegativity'


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

© MyTutorWeb Ltd 2013–2025

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy
Cookie Preferences