optical isomers

Question 1

what is optical isomerism?

Answer 1

A type of stereoisomerism where molecules have the same molecular formula but different spatial arrangements of atoms in space and cannot be superimposed

Question 2

what is a chiral centre?

Answer 2

A carbon with 4 different groups bonded to it so their are no lines of symmetry (asymmetrical carbon)

Question 3

what are the conditions for optical isomerism

Answer 3

carbon chiral centre

Question 4

what are the 2 isomers called?

Answer 4

enantiomers

Question 5

how can u tell 2 enantiomers?

Answer 5

they are mirror image and therefore cannot be superimposed (put over each other and matched)

Question 6

describe the effect of plane polarised light on enantiomers

Answer 6

plane polarised light only vibrates in one direction
optical isomers are optically active
one antiomers rotates clockwise while the other rotates anticlockwise

Question 7

what is a race mixture?

Answer 7

equal quantities of each enantiomer of an optically active compound

Question 8

describe how :CN- nucleophiles can create racemic mixtures?

Answer 8

:CN- nucleophile can attack planar c=o carbonyl group from above and below.As attacks have a 50% chance to be from ontop or below it will be a racemix mixture. If the carbon is a chiral centre (4 different groups)