Chirality Flashcards
(14 cards)
What are the two classifications of isomers and how do they differ?
Stereoisomers have the same connectivity, constitutional isomers do not
What are the two classifications of stereoisomers and how do they differ?
Achiral isomers have no stereocenter and chiral isomers do
What are the two classifications of chiral isomers and how do they differ?
Enantiomers are nonsuperimposable mirror images while diastereomers are not mirror images
What makes a carbon chiral?
It is bonded to four distinct groups
How many enantiomers will a compound of n stereocenters have?
2^n
Which direction denotes R and S when reading groups 1-3 on a stereocenter?
R is clockwise and S is counterclockwise
What is optical activity
The rotation of a plane of polarized light by a molecule
What can be said about the optical activity of two enentiomers?
Both enantiomers will rotate the plane of polarized light by the same degree but in different directions
What is a polarimeter?
An instrument used to measure the ability of a compound to rotate a plane of polarized light
What is dextrorotary?
Clockwise or positive rotation of the plane of polarized light
What is levorotory?
Counterclockwise or negative rotation of the plane of polarized light
What is specific rotation?
The rotation of light by an optically active substance at a concentration of 1g/mL in a 10cm long sample tube
What key biomolecules are chiral?
Enzymes
What is a racemic mixture?
A 1:1 mixture of a compound and its enantiomer
