An unknown sample is tested with a polarimeter for optical activity. The results of the test required no movement of the analyzer. This sample could be either a meso compound or a racemic mixture.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Both meso compounds and racemic mixtures are optically inactive; meso compounds have internal planes of symmetry, while racemic mixtures are 1:1 mixtures of enantiomers that cancel each other's optical activity.

An Unknown Sample Is Tested with a Polarimeter for Optical