Question

Our teacher has taught us today about optical isomers . And at the end given a formula for finding number of optical isomers of a symmetrical molecule( n is number of chiral atoms and the n is odd for this formula ). Which is Total = Active ( referring to enantiomers ) + Meso. And Total = 2^n-1

I am a bit confused here because I have never imagined meso compound as optical isomers for they are optically inactive and show no deflection for polarised light. So are they optical isomers. Is my definition of optical isomers flawed. Please enlighten me . Thanks in advance. I know that they are stereo isomers for their spatial arrangement in _3D.

Answer 1

Optical isomers are mirror images of each other that can rotate the plane of polarized light, while meso compounds are achiral and do not rotate light. The definition of optical isomers is not flawed.

Step-by-step explanation:

Optical isomers, also known as enantiomers, are mirror images of each other and cannot be superimposed onto each other. They have the same chemical and physical properties, except when they interact with other optical isomers.

Optical isomers are optically active and can rotate the plane of polarized light. Meso compounds, on the other hand, are achiral compounds that have chiral centers but exhibit internal planes of symmetry. Therefore, they are not optically active and do not rotate polarized light.