optical isomerism

what are stereoisomers

same structural formula, different spatial arrangement

why do E/Z isomers have restricted rotation

because of a double bond

what is a chiral carbon

carbon that has 4 different groups attached

what are optical isomers

non-superimposable mirror images

how does plane-polarised light rotate

only in one direction

vertically, horizontally or anything in between

difference between normal light and plane polarised light

normal light roattes in all directions

plane-polarised light roattes only in one

what can optical isomers do to be able to call them optically active

rotate plane polarised light

in what direction do 2 enantiomers rotate plane-polarised light

in opposite directions

define racemic mixture

contains equal quantities (50:50) of each enantiomer of an optically active compound

why do racemates not show any optical activity

2 enantiomers cancel each out other light-rotating effect

why is racemic mixture 50:50 of each enantiomer

when 2 molecules react there is an equal chance of a bond both above and beyond the planar