Terms
Dextrorotary
-
A solution that rotates plane-polarized light clockwise (+).
Enantiomeric excess
-
The percentage of one
enantiomer
in excess of another.
Levorotary
-
A solution that rotates plane-polarized light counter-clockwise (-).
Optical activity
-
The ability for a solution to rotate plane-polarized light that is passed
through it.
Optical rotation
-
The amount by which a given sample rotates plane-polarized light, in degrees.
Depends on the concentration, sample path length, and the nature of the sample.
Optically active
-
Any substance that exhibits optical activity.
Polarimetry
-
The technique of measuring the optical activity of a compound.
Racemic mixture
-
A solution in which both
enantiomers of a
compound are
present in equal amounts.
Specific rotation
-
Property characteristic of a given compound. Conventionally measured at 20
degrees Celsius with the D-line of sodium.
