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Learning objective

Explain why optical isomers rotate plane-polarised light in opposite directions.

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Topic

Optical isomerism (A-level only)

Subtopic

Optical isomerism (A-level only)

Aqa A Level ChemistryOrganic chemistry

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Quick explanation

Explain why optical isomers rotate plane-polarised light in opposite directions

  • This point belongs to Optical isomerism (A-level only), especially Optical isomerism (A-level only).
  • You need to be able to explain why optical isomers rotate plane-polarised light in opposite directions.
  • The key ideas to know are optical isomer and plane-polarised light.
  • Use the linked flashcards and practice questions to check recall, then practise applying the idea in an exam-style answer.

Key concepts

optical isomerplane-polarised light

Why it matters

This objective helps connect Optical isomerism (A-level only) to exam-style questions, flashcards, and revision notes for Optical isomerism (A-level only).

Quick student answer

Which of the following statements is true regarding optical isomers?

Direct answer

C) They are non-superimposable mirror images of each other.

Key terms

  • Chirality: The property of a molecule that makes it non-superimposable on its mirror image, often due to the presence of a chiral centre.
  • Enantiomer: One of two optical isomers that are mirror images of each other and differ in their ability to rotate plane-polarised light.

Common trap

Confusing optical isomers with structural isomers: Remember that optical isomers are specifically related to chirality and the ability to rotate plane-polarised light, while structural isomers differ in the connectivity of their atoms.

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