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utkarshakash
Gold Member
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Homework Statement
We know that all meso compounds are optically inactive but is the reverse true? Are all optically inactive compouds meso?
Optical isomers are molecules that have the same chemical formula and connectivity, but differ in their spatial arrangement, resulting in differences in their physical and chemical properties.
Optical isomers differ from structural isomers in that they have the same molecular formula and connectivity, but differ in their spatial arrangement, while structural isomers have the same molecular formula but differ in their connectivity.
Chirality is the property of a molecule to not be superimposable on its mirror image. Optical isomers are chiral molecules, meaning they have a nonsuperimposable mirror image, and therefore exist as two distinct forms.
A molecule can have optical isomers if it has a chiral center, which is a carbon atom bonded to four different groups. This creates two distinct spatial arrangements and results in two optical isomers.
Optical isomers can have different effects on the human body due to their different spatial arrangements. This can be important in drug development as one isomer may have therapeutic effects, while the other may have harmful side effects. Separating and identifying optical isomers is crucial in creating safe and effective drugs.