Which of the following is an example of optical isomerism?

Which of the following is an example of optical isomerism?

Step 1: Understand what optical isomerism is. It occurs when a molecule can exist in two different forms that are mirror images of each other.
Step 2: Identify what a chiral center is. A chiral center is a carbon atom that is attached to four different groups.
Step 3: Look at lactic acid. It has a carbon atom that is attached to four different groups, making it a chiral center.
Step 4: Recognize that because lactic acid has a chiral center, it can exist in two forms (enantiomers) that are mirror images of each other.
Step 5: Conclude that lactic acid is an example of optical isomerism because it can exist in these two enantiomeric forms.

No concepts available.