7. optical isomers

• What is optical isomerism a form of?

  Stereoisomerism
• What do optical isomers have in common?

  Same structural formula
• What distinguishes optical isomers from each other?

  Different arrangement of atoms in space
• What is a chiral carbon?

  A carbon with four different groups attached
• What are enantiomers?

  Mirror images of each other
• What does non-superimposable mean in the context of enantiomers?

  They cannot be placed on top of each other
• How can we visualize optical isomerism using hands?

  Hands are mirror images and non-superimposable
• What is the significance of a mirror line in optical isomerism?

  It shows the relationship between enantiomers
• What shape should chiral centers be drawn in?

  Tetrahedral 3D shape
• What is required to identify a chiral center?

  Four different groups surrounding a carbon
• What is the purpose of drawing 3D representations of molecules?

  To visualize their spatial arrangement
• What happens when a chiral compound is placed in plane polarized light?

  It rotates the light
• What is plane polarized light?

  Light oscillating in one direction
• How do enantiomers affect plane polarized light?

  One rotates it clockwise, the other counterclockwise
• What is a racemic mixture?

  An equal amount of both enantiomers
• What happens to plane polarized light in a racemic mixture?

  It does not rotate the light
• Why is it important to be cautious about non-rotation of light in exams?

  It doesn't mean no chiral center is present
• How can you distinguish between two enantiomers in a solution?

  By observing their rotation of plane polarized light
• What is a racemic mixture?

  A 50/50 mix of enantiomers
• Why does a racemic mixture not rotate plane polarized light?

  Because enantiomers rotate light in opposite directions
• What should you be careful about when interpreting light rotation in a sample?

  It may still contain optically active compounds
• How can a racemic mixture of a chiral product be formed?

  By reacting two non-chiral substances
• What happens when two non-chiral substances react?

  They can form a chiral center
• What is the significance of the hydrogen atoms in the reaction with halogens?

  They can be replaced to form enantiomers
• What is thalidomide known for?

  Causing deformities in children
• Why is it important to control enantiomer production in pharmaceuticals?

  To avoid harmful side effects from one enantiomer
• What can happen if a drug contains both enantiomers?

  One may be effective while the other is harmful
• What is the role of cost-benefit analysis in drug development?

  To evaluate the economic viability of a drug
• What types of bonds can lead to racemic products?

  Double bonds in alkenes and carbonyl groups
• How does the attack of a nucleophile on a carbonyl group lead to enantiomer formation?

  It can attack from above or below
• What determines the type of enantiomer formed during a nucleophilic attack?

  The direction of the nucleophile's attack
• Why do racemic mixtures not rotate plane polarized light?

  Rotation cancels out due to equal amounts
• What is the importance of understanding optical isomerism in chemistry?

  It helps in drug development and safety
• What are the key terms related to optical isomerism that students should know?

  • Racemic mixture
  • Enantiomers
  • Chiral center
  • Nucleophile
  • Carbonyl group
• What are the implications of producing both enantiomers in pharmaceuticals?

  • One enantiomer may be effective
  • The other may cause side effects
  • Regulatory considerations for drug safety
• What is the process of forming a racemic mixture from a reaction?

  1. React two non-chiral substances
  2. Form a chiral center
  3. Produce equal amounts of enantiomers
• What factors influence the production of enantiomers in a reaction?

  • Direction of nucleophile attack
  • Structure of the reactants
  • Reaction conditions