Consider the following two ball-and-stick models. Elements other than hydrogen and carbon are labeled. If a solution contains 0.0500 mol of each substance, which of the following describes the solution?
A) dextrorotatory
B) levorotatory
C) racemic
D) none of these

Question

Consider the following two ball-and-stick models. Elements other than hydrogen and carbon are labeled.  If a solution contains 0.0500 mol of each substance, which of the following describes the solution?
A) dextrorotatory 
B) levorotatory 
C) racemic 
D) none of these

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The two ball-and-stick models represent mirror images of each other, meaning they are enantiomers. Each enantiomer will rotate plane-polarized light either to the left (levorotatory) or right (dextrorotatory). However, since the solution contains equal amounts of both enantiomers, it is considered racemic and will not rotate plane-polarized light.

Consider the Following Two Ball-And-Stick Models