Optical Isomers Model Answer

Question 1

Why can a nucleophilic addition to aldehudes and assymetrical ketones result in a racemic mixture of optical isomers?

Answer 1

• carbonyl group in aldehydes + ketones is planar
• equal chance of nucleophile attacking either side of molecules
• results in equal proportions of each isomer= racemic mixture formed
• racemic mixture = not optically active as different isomers rotate the plane of polarised light the same amount in opposite directions amd cancel the other out