Explain Optical Isomerism

Optical Isomerism is a type of stereoisomer. The molecule has a chiral centre which is where the are four different atoms attached to the central atom. This means that they become mirror images of each other and are non-superimposable, meaning the can not be laid on top of one another to match.

Related Chemistry A Level answers

All answers ▸

How does acidic buffer work?


Draw the structure of chlorine pentafluoride (ClF5) according to the VSEPR theory


Why can graphite be used as a lubricant?


The Aldehyde CH3CH2CHO (A) reacts with HCN to give a racemic mixture, name the compound CH3CH2CH(CN)OH (B) formed and explain why we get a racemic mixture and how we could differentiate between two different enantiomerically pure solutions of B