Examples of Enantiomers
The two examples of Enantiomers are:
- Dextro Lactic Acid and Laevo Lactic Acid
- Carvone and Limonene
Dextro Lactic Acid and Laevo Lactic Acid
Here in the first molecule the OH group is present on the right side of the carbon atom hence it is called D-Lactic acid and on the hand, the second molecule has the OH group present on the second carbon therefore it is called as L-Lactic acid.
Carvone and Limonene
Carvone can be synthesized from limonene and it was found to have a spearmint odor. It indicates that carvone is an optical isomer of limonene, and the synthesis of carvone from limonene demonstrates their relationship as enantiomers.
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