Types of Optical Isomers
Compounds showing optical isomers can be distinguished mainly into two types, which are:
- D-isomers
- L-isomers
D-Isomers
- D-isomers, also known as D-enantiomers, are a type of optical isomer. They are mirror images of L-isomers.
- In the case of monosaccharides, most naturally occurring sugars are D isomers, except for fucose. D-methamphetamine is an example of a chiral molecule that exists as a D-isomer (Dextro, or D-methamphetamine).
- D-isomers are a type of optical isomer that is important in pharmacology and are found in various molecules.
L-Isomers
- L-isomers, also known as L-enantiomers, are a type of optical isomer that spin plane-polarized light to the left (anticlockwise). They are denoted by the sign “L” and are often referred to as the “I-form.” In the context of carbohydrates
- In pharmacology, L-isomers are significant as chiral forms of molecules, and they have different properties compared to their D-isomeric counterparts.
- For instance, L-isomers of amino acids have been used as chiral selectors for direct enantioresolution in thin-layer chromatography (TLC)
Optical Isomerism
Optical Isomerism is a property of Organic Compounds in which they have the same molecular and structural formula but they can’t superimpose on each other. This is due to the different arrangement of carbon atoms in three-dimensional space. The structures exhibiting Optical isomerism are called Optical Isomers. Optical Isomerism is one of the most important concepts in Organic Chemistry and helps to understand various difficult reactions.
In this article, we will learn what is optical isomerism, its significance, types, examples and many more things.
Table of Content
- What is Optical Isomerism?
- Optical Isomer Definition
- Chiral and Achiral Molecules
- What are Enantiomers?
- Type of Optical Isomers
- Structural Isomers vs Optical Isomers
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