The specific rotation of optically pure (R)-C₆H₅CHOHCH₃ is -42.3°.An optically pure sample of (R)-C₆H₅CHClCH₃ was converted into the corresponding alcohol via an S_N2 reaction.What is the specific rotation of the product? A)-42.3° B)between 0° and -42.3° C)between +42.3° and 0° D)+42.3°

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The SN2 reaction inverts the configuration at the chiral center. Since the original compound was (R) with a specific rotation of -42.3°, the product will be (S) with the same magnitude of specific rotation but opposite sign, hence +42.3°.

The Specific Rotation of Optically Pure (R)-C6H5CHOHCH3 Is -42

The Specific Rotation of Optically Pure (R)-C₆H₅CHOHCH₃ Is -42