Optical isomers, also known as enantiomers, are mirror images of each other in structure. They have the same chemical and physical properties except for their ability to rotate plane-polarized light. They often arise from chiral molecules, meaning they contain an asymmetric carbon that is bonded to four different groups, causing the mirror image phenomenon.

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Optical Isomers

Question 139

Multiple Choice

Optical isomers

A) are centered around carbon double bonds.
B) come in cis and trans forms.
C) differ in pairs of atoms that bond to one another.
D) are mirror images of each other in structure.
E) do not exist in nature.

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