Optical Isomerism

• Optical Isomerism is a type of Stereoisomerism where molecules have the same molecular formula but a different spatial arrangement of atoms in space
• Optical Isomerism occurs when there is an asymmetrical carbon within an organic molecule known as a chiral centre
• The presence of a chiral centre leads to the presence of two possible isomers that are mirror images of each other
• A Racemic mixture is formed when optical isomers produce a pair of enantiomers in a 1:1 ratio