Quiz · Unit 5

Optical rotation of a racemate

Choose the single best answer for each short diagnostic, then compare your reasoning with the explanation and misconception repair.

Question 1 of 2 solve

One enantiomer of a compound has a specific rotation of +24 degrees and the other has -24 degrees under the same conditions. Predict the observed rotation of a 50:50 mixture and explain what the result means.

A 0 degrees; equal +24 and -24 contributions cancel externally in a racemate, even though each molecule is chiral. B 0 degrees, proving every molecule in the sample is achiral and meso. C +24 degrees because the plus enantiomer determines the sign of the compound. D 48 degrees because the magnitudes of the two rotations add.

Your guest preview is ending soon

Your guest preview is complete

Optical rotation of a racemate