12 Questions
Why does the failure to observe optical activity not necessarily mean that no chiral compound is present?
Each compound with an asymmetric C-atom has two enantiomers, each rotating light in opposite directions.
What happens when we have a 50-50 mixture of enantiomers?
No rotation is observed at all.
How are amino acids generally in terms of chirality?
Amino acids are generally homochiral.
Why is it important to consider chirality in pharmaceuticals?
Any synthetic substance interacting with a chiral environment needs to be considered due to chirality.
What does optical activity establish in a sample?
Chirality
What is the property of light when it oscillates in all planes perpendicular to its direction of propagation?
Ordinary light
Does a lack of optical activity prove a lack of chirality in a sample?
No
How do optical isomers affect plane-polarized light?
Rotate the plane
Define optical isomerism and provide an example.
Optical isomerism is a type of stereoisomerism where isomers differ in their effect on the rotation of polarized light. Example: lactic acids.
What are enantiomers?
Enantiomers are non-congruent mirror images of each other, with the ability to rotate plane polarized light by equal amounts but in opposite directions.
How do diastereomers differ from enantiomers?
Diastereomers are stereoisomers that are not mirror images of each other and can have different physical properties and reactivity.
Why are molecules with one tetrahedral stereogenic center always chiral?
Molecules with one tetrahedral stereogenic center are always chiral because they have non-superimposable mirror images.
Learn about optical activity, enantiomers, specific rotation, and the biological importance of stereoisomerism. Understand how chiral compounds with asymmetric carbon atoms have two enantiomers that rotate light in opposite directions.
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