Back to AI Flashcard MakerChemistry /Chemistry: Optical Isomerism

Chemistry: Optical Isomerism

Chemistry19 CardsCreated 2 months ago

This flashcard set explores the two main types of isomerism studied in A-Level Chemistry: structural and stereoisomerism. It explains how isomers differ in structure or spatial arrangement, and introduces E/Z and optical isomerism, with E/Z arising from restricted rotation around a carbon-carbon double bond.

what 2 types of isomerism are studied during a level chem

structural and stereoisomerism

Tap or swipe ↕ to flip
Swipe ←→Navigate
1/19

Key Terms

Term
Definition

what 2 types of isomerism are studied during a level chem

structural and stereoisomerism

structural isomers

compounds with the same molecular formula but different structural formula

stereoisomers

same structural formula but different arrangement of atoms in space

two types of stereoisomerism

  • e/z

- optical

what does e/z isomerism occur as a result of

retricted rotation about the planar c-c double bond

do all alkenes have e/z isomerism

no

Related Flashcard Decks

Study Tips

  • Press F to enter focus mode for distraction-free studying
  • Review cards regularly to improve retention
  • Try to recall the answer before flipping the card
  • Share this deck with friends to study together
TermDefinition

what 2 types of isomerism are studied during a level chem

structural and stereoisomerism

structural isomers

compounds with the same molecular formula but different structural formula

stereoisomers

same structural formula but different arrangement of atoms in space

two types of stereoisomerism

  • e/z

- optical

what does e/z isomerism occur as a result of

retricted rotation about the planar c-c double bond

do all alkenes have e/z isomerism

no

what must an alkene have to exhibit e/z isomerism

each carbon of the c=c bond must be bonded to different groups

how to determine whether an alkene is the e or z isomer

  • identify highest priority group on each c atom of c=c bond

  • if both highest priority groups are on the same side of c=c- z isomer

  • if both highest priority groups are on opposite sides of the c=c bond- e isomer

how do the cip rules allow the highest priority to be determined easily

  • atom with highest atomic number has highest priority

- if 2 atoms have same atomic number, the next atom along the chain should be compared

optical isomers

non superimposable mirror images

what must a compound contain to exhibit optical isomerism

carbon has to be bonded to 4 different groups

what is the asymmetric c atom in an optical isomer called

chiral carbon

what are optical isomers called

enantiomers

what do optical isomers differ in their effect on

plane polarised light

how do enantiomers rotate plane polarised light

by an equal amount but in opposite directions

racemic mixture

a mixture of equal amounts of the two enantiomers

forming enantiomers in the reaction of but-2-ene and hbr: how does the shape of the intermediate lead to a mixture with equal amounts of two enantiomers being formed

  • the carbocation intermediate is trigonal planar

  • attack from either side is equally as likely

  • 50/50 mix of each enantiomer will be produced

why does a racemic mixture not rotate plane polarised light

the equal proportions of 2 enantiomers cancel eachother out

what do optical isomers have the same

chemical properties