Optical Isomerism

• 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?

  Carbon with four different groups attached
• What does the term "enantiomers" refer to?

  Mirror images of chiral molecules
• Why are enantiomers considered non-superimposable?

  They cannot perfectly overlap each other
• How can we visualize optical isomers using hands?

  Hands are mirror images and non-superimposable
• What shape should chiral centers be drawn in?

  Tetrahedral 3D shape
• What is the significance of the mirror line in optical isomerism?

  It shows the relationship between enantiomers
• What is required to identify a chiral center?

  Four different groups around a carbon
• What does it mean for a molecule to be optically active?

  It rotates plane polarized light
• What is plane polarized light?

  Light oscillating in one direction
• How does a chiral compound affect plane polarized light?

  It rotates the light either direction
• How do enantiomers differ in their effect on plane polarized light?

  One rotates clockwise, the other anti-clockwise
• What is a racemic mixture?

  Equal amounts of both enantiomers
• What happens to plane polarized light in a racemic mixture?

  No rotation occurs
• Why is it important to be cautious about non-rotation of light in exams?

  It doesn't mean no chiral center exists
• What can be concluded if a sample does not rotate plane polarized light?

  It may still contain optically active compounds
• What is a racemic mixture?

  An equal amount of each enantiomer
• Why do racemic mixtures not rotate plane polarized light?

  Because enantiomers rotate light in opposite directions
• What should you be careful about when analyzing plane polarized light in a sample?

  It may still contain optically active compounds
• What happens when two non-chiral substances react?

  They can form a chiral center
• What is produced when an alkene reacts with bromine?

  A chiral compound with two enantiomers
• How can a racemic mixture be formed from a reaction?

  By having equal chances of forming each enantiomer
• 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 is the significance of cost in drug development?

  It affects the feasibility of producing the drug
• What types of bonds can lead to racemic products?

  Double bonds in alkenes and carbonyl groups
• What happens when a nucleophile attacks a carbonyl group in an unsymmetrical ketone?

  It can form two different enantiomers
• How does the attack of a nucleophile on a carbonyl group lead to a racemic mixture?

  It has an equal chance of attacking from either side
• What is the result of a racemic mixture on plane polarized light?

  It does not rotate plane polarized light
• What are the key terms related to optical isomerism that students should know?

  • Racemic mixture
  • Enantiomers
  • Chiral center
  • Plane polarized light
• What are the implications of producing both enantiomers in drug development?

  • One enantiomer may be effective
  • The other may cause side effects
  • Cost-benefit analysis is crucial
  • Regulatory considerations are important
• What is the process of forming a racemic mixture from a reaction?

  1. React non-chiral substances
  2. Form a chiral center
  3. Nucleophile attacks from either side
  4. Produce equal amounts of enantiomers