optical isomers

• chiral molecules: 4 different groups around a central carbon atom
• optical isomers: mirror images of each other and have a chiral carbon atom
• enantiomers: mirror images of each other and are non-superimposable (never will overlap)
• optically active isomers will rotate plane polarised light (light oscillates in one direction)
• D rotates clockwise L rotates anticlockwise
• potential effects of drugs containing isomers?

  isomer binds to different receptor, has no effect or causes harmful side-effects
• methods for producing single-enantiomer drugs:

  • use enzymes or bacteria
  • use naturally-occuring single optical isomer compounds
  • use chemical chiral synthesis
  • use chiral catalysts