What is optical isomerism and how can you distinguish between optical isomers?

A molecule will exhibit optical isomerism if it contains a chiral centre/ an asymmetric carbon atom - in other words, if it contains a carbon atom with 4 different groups attached. Due to this property, these types of molecules have a mirror image that is non-superimposable upon itself. This means that you cannot map one molecule onto the other (unless you break some bonds!).

Due to the fact that these mirror images - or optical isomers - are quite similar, they often has similar chemical and physical properties, so cannot be distinguished by usual chemical or physical methods.

However, optical isomers have different effects on plane-polarised light (light that travels in a single plane). One isomer will rotate the plane of this plane-polarised light clockwise, and the other will rotate it anticlockwise. This is how you can distinguish the isomers from one another.

Answered by Beth S. Chemistry tutor

36135 Views

See similar Chemistry A Level tutors

Related Chemistry A Level answers

All answers ▸

The lattice enthalpies of calcium oxide and magnesium oxide are different. Comment on this difference.


What is the equilibrium constant?


Name the type of reaction and outline the mechanism for the reaction of the alcohol (CH3)2CHOH with the acyl chloride CH3COCl. Explain which orbitals take part in the reaction.


How does the oxidising power of the group 1 metals vary?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact usWhatsapp logoMessage us on Whatsapptelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

© MyTutorWeb Ltd 2013–2024

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy