Optical Isomerism

• What is the term for isomers that have the same structural formula but different arrangements of atoms in space?

  Stereoisomerism
• How are atoms arranged in stereoisomerism?


  Atoms are arranged differently in space
• What is optical isomerism a form of?


  Stereoisomerism
• What characterizes optical isomers?


  They are non-superimposable mirror images
• What happens to the plane of polarized light when it passes through two optical isomers?


  They rotate the plane of polarized light in opposite directions
• What does the term "chiral" refer to?


  It refers to an asymmetric object that has a non-superimposable mirror image
• What is required for a carbon to be considered chiral?


  A chiral carbon must have four different groups attached to it
• What is another term for an optical isomer?


  Enantiomer
• What defines an enantiomer?


  It is a molecule that has a non-superimposable mirror image
• What does plane polarization refer to?


  It is the restriction of the vibrations of electromagnetic radiation to one direction
• What is a racemic mixture or racemate?


  It is a mixture containing equal amounts of each enantiomer
• Why is a racemic mixture optically inactive?


  Because the rotations of the enantiomers cancel each other out
• What does stereospecific mean in the context of a reaction?


  A stereospecific reaction will only work with one stereoisomer
• Why does a stereospecific reaction only work with one stereoisomer?


  Because of the involvement of an active site