Which of the following is an example of optical isomerism?

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Question: Which of the following is an example of optical isomerism?

Options:

Correct Answer: Lactic acid

Solution:

Lactic acid has a chiral center and can exist as two enantiomers, thus exhibiting optical isomerism.

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.