3.7 - Optical Isomers Flashcards
Define: Racemic Mixture
Mixture of Equal Amounts of the two Enantiomers
Why does E/Z isomerism occur?
Restricted Rotation about the Trigonal Planar Carbon-Carbon double bond
Conditions for an alkene to exhibit E/Z isomerism?
Each Carbon atom of C=C must be bonded to 2 different groups
Why does a Racemic Mixture not rotate plane polarised light?
The light is bent by both isomers equally so will be returned to its original plane as there are the same number of each
An Asymmetric C atom is also known as ____ ?
Chiral Carbon
Define: Optical isomers
Non-superimposable mirror images
Optical isomers are known as ____ ?
Enantiomers
Properties of a compound exhibiting Optical Isomerism?
Carbon atom bonded to four different atoms or groups
Define: Structural isomers
Compounds with the same molecular formula but different structural formula
Define: Stereoisomers
Compounds with the same structural formula but a different arrangement of atoms in space
Optical isomers rotate Plane Polarised Light by an ____ ____ but in ____ ____ ?
Equal Amount
Opposite Directions
How does the Shape of the intermediate lead to a mixture with equal amounts of two enantiomers being formed?
It’s Trigonal Planar so attack from above and below is equally likely
Optical Isomers have the ____ chemical properties?
Same
Optical Isomers have different ____ properties?
Biological
