Optical Isomerism

Optical Isomerism (Enantiomers)

e.g 2-chloro 1-propanol

4 different groups = chiral/asymmetric carbon

            H                     Cl                     H

             |                       |                       |

H         -           C          -          C*        -          C          -           O         -           H

                         |                       |                       |

                        H                     H                     H

Similarities

•         same melting point and boiling point
•         same miscibility
•         same structural formula
•         same chemical reactions EXCEPT with other “optically active” compounds

Differences

•         mirror images
•         naturally made organic substances are selective: only ONE is made e.g. L-amino acids
•         rotate plane-polarized light in opposite directions

       

         
           http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uD9j3nbaHsE - for the voice. #pasteur