Question detail
How can you distinguish between optical isomers and structural isomers?
Try the question, check the answer, then read the explanation to understand the curriculum point.
At a glance
MCQ
Type
practice
Style
Topic
Optical isomerism (A-level only)
Question
- A. Optical isomers have the same molecular formula but different connectivity.
- B. Optical isomers differ in the arrangement of atoms in space.
- C. Optical isomers have different molecular weights.
- D. Optical isomers can be separated by physical means.
Answer
Optical isomers differ in the arrangement of atoms in space.
Explanation
Optical isomers are stereoisomers that differ in the spatial arrangement of atoms, while structural isomers differ in the connectivity of atoms.
Common mistake
Identifying Optical Isomers
Students often fail to recognize that optical isomers must be non-superimposable mirror images of each other.
To fix this, remember that for two molecules to be optical isomers, they must have chiral centers and cannot be aligned perfectly when one is placed over the other.
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