Chirality and Optical Isomerism

What is the definition of chirality?

• Property of a molecule that describes its symmetry

• Property of a molecule that describes its size

• Property of a molecule that describes its shape

• Property of a molecule that describes its asymmetry

What are enantiomers and optical isomers?

• Enantiomers are stereoisomers that are mirror images of each other and cannot be superimposed. Optical isomers are a type of enantiomers that rotate the plane of polarized light in opposite directions.

• Enantiomers are stereoisomers that have different chemical properties. Optical isomers are a type of enantiomers that do not affect the plane of polarized light.

• Enantiomers are stereoisomers that can be superimposed. Optical isomers are a type of enantiomers that rotate the plane of polarized light in the same direction.

• Enantiomers are stereoisomers that are identical to each other. Optical isomers are a type of enantiomers that do not rotate the plane of polarized light.

What is a racemic mixture and how does it relate to optically active compounds?

• A racemic mixture is a mixture that contains equal amounts of two enantiomers, which are mirror images of each other. Enantiomers are optically active compounds that rotate the plane of polarized light in opposite directions.

• A racemic mixture is a mixture that contains equal amounts of two enantiomers, which are mirror images of each other. Enantiomers are optically inactive compounds that do not rotate the plane of polarized light.

• A racemic mixture is a mixture that contains equal amounts of two enantiomers, which are mirror images of each other. Enantiomers are optically inactive compounds that do not interact with polarized light.

• A racemic mixture is a mixture that contains equal amounts of two enantiomers, which are identical to each other. Enantiomers are optically active compounds that rotate the plane of polarized light in the same direction.

Give an example of a chiral molecule found in nature.

• Glucose

• Water

• Ethanol

• Lactic acid

Are all chiral molecules optically active? Why or why not?

• No

• Yes, because all chiral molecules have a center of symmetry.

• Yes, because all chiral molecules have a plane of symmetry.

• Yes, because all chiral molecules have a mirror image that is non-superimposable.

What is the difference between dextro and leavo rotatory compounds?

• Dextro rotatory compounds rotate plane-polarized light to the right, while leavo rotatory compounds do not rotate it.

• Dextro rotatory compounds do not rotate plane-polarized light, while leavo rotatory compounds rotate it to the left.

• Dextro rotatory compounds rotate plane-polarized light to the right, while leavo rotatory compounds rotate it to the left.

• Dextro rotatory compounds rotate plane-polarized light to the left, while leavo rotatory compounds rotate it to the right.

Can a compound have multiple chiral centers?

• Sometimes

• No

• Only in organic compounds

• Yes

What is the relationship between chirality and symmetry?

• Chirality is a form of asymmetry.

• Chirality and symmetry are unrelated concepts.

• Chirality is a type of symmetry.

• Chirality is the absence of symmetry.