BRAINCAKEChirality
Revision notes for Chirality in Edexcel Chemistry (9CH0). 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 exist in two forms that are mirror images of each other but cannot be placed exactly on top of each other, just as your left and…
- Optical IsomersA chiral molecule exists as two optical isomers, also called enantiomers.
- Plane-Polarised LightOrdinary light is made of electromagnetic 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 of the two enantiomers of a chiral compound.
- Racemates from Nucleophilic AdditionAldehydes and ketones react with hydrogen cyanide by nucleophilic addition to form hydroxynitriles.
- Identifying Chiral CentresTo decide whether a molecule is chiral, look for a chiral centre: a carbon atom with four different groups attached.