BRAINCAKEOptical Isomerism
Revision notes for Optical Isomerism in AQA Chemistry (7405). Read the start of any lesson here, then sign in free for the whole lesson, the R.E.C.I.P.E. recall steps and the quiz.
- ChiralitySome molecules are chiral: they are not superimposable on their mirror image.
- Optical IsomersOptical isomerism is a form of stereoisomerism.
- Plane-Polarised LightOrdinary light is made of waves that vibrate in all planes at right angles to the direction the light travels.
- Racemic MixturesA racemic mixture (or racemate) is a mixture containing equal amounts (equimolar amounts) of the two enantiomers of a chiral compound.
- Racemates from Nucleophilic AdditionThe carbonyl group, C=O, is planar.
- Identifying Chiral CentresTo find a chiral centre, look for a carbon atom bonded to four different atoms or groups.