What is optical isomerism?
Answer
Optical isomerism is a type of stereoisomerism in which molecules have the same structure but differ in their ability to rotate the plane of plane-polarised light.
The working
Definition
Optical isomers are non-superimposable mirror images of each other, called enantiomers, that rotate plane-polarised light in opposite directions.
Condition (chirality)
Optical isomerism usually arises when a molecule contains a chiral carbon, a carbon bonded to four different groups, making the molecule asymmetric.
Dextro and laevo
The isomer that rotates light clockwise is dextrorotatory (+), and the one that rotates it anticlockwise is laevorotatory (−).
Racemic mixture
An equal mixture of the two enantiomers shows no net rotation because their effects cancel; this is called a racemic mixture.
Stuck on something else?
Type your own doubt into the solver and get the full working in seconds — free, for physics, chemistry, maths and biology.
Open the solverRelated doubts