A type of stereoisomerism where molecules have the same molecular formula but a different spatial arrangement of atoms in space
Chiral centre
A carbon atom with four different groups bonded around it so there is no line of symmetry to the molecule
Chiral centre
Indicated using * next to the asymmetric carbon
Optical isomers
Two possible isomers that are mirror images of each other
Enantiomers
The two different optical isomers that are unique due to their effect on plane polarised light
Each enantiomer causes the rotation of plane polarised light by 90o in opposite directions
Racemic mixture
A mixture of optical isomers produced as a pair of enantiomers in a 1:1 ratio, which is optically inactive
Nucleophilic addition reaction
Nucleophiles attack a molecule with a carbonyl group from above or below the carbon-oxygen double bond, producing two possible mirror image products (optical isomers)
The two possible products of a nucleophilic addition reaction are mirror images and therefore optical isomers
