Page 1: Understanding Isomerism and Optical Activity

This comprehensive page introduces the fundamental concepts of isomerism in organic chemistry, focusing particularly on stereoisomerism and optical isomerism in coordination compounds. The content explains how types of stereoisomers differ in their spatial arrangement while maintaining the same molecular formula.

Definition: A chiral centre occurs when a carbon atom is bonded to four different substituents, creating the possibility for optical isomerism.

Vocabulary: Enantiomers are pairs of optical isomers that are mirror images of each other but cannot be superimposed.

Example: In the synthesis of 2-hydroxypropanoic acid, the formation of optical isomers occurs due to the presence of a chiral carbon.

Highlight: Racemates, which contain equal quantities of each enantiomer, show no optical activity as the rotating effects cancel each other out.

The page also includes detailed diagrams showing:

• The structural representation of various isomers
• The relationship between D and L isomers (+ and - isomers)
• The process of nucleophilic addition in forming optical isomers
• The interaction of plane-polarized light with optically active compounds

Quote: "An isomer of a molecule is a molecule with the same molecular formula but a different structural or spatial arrangement of atoms."