3.7 Optical Isomers Flashcards
1
Q
When do optical isomers occur?
A
When there are 4 different groups attached to a carbon
2
Q
What is the carbon with the groups attached called?
A
The Chiral centre
3
Q
What is an enantiomer?
A
A pair of non super imposable isomers
4
Q
How can you separate enantiomers?
A
They will rotate plane polarised light in opposite directions
5
Q
What is a racemic mixture?
A
A 50:50 mixture of isomers
6
Q
Do Racemic mixtures rotate light?
A
No
7
Q
How are racemicmixtures formed?
A
The planarity of the molecule means nucleophiles are able to attack from above or below with equal chance
8
Q
What effect can optical isomers have in reference to drugs?
A
1 enantiomer may be effective while the other may not be active or could be harmful
