Chemistry / Unit 12 Chem 2397 short lesson, about 20 seconds
Optical Isomerism (Enantiomers)
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The idea
Optical isomers, or enantiomers, are nonsuperimposable mirror images, identical in physical properties but differing in interaction with polarized light and chiral molecules.
In practice
The complex [Co(en)3]3+ exists as a pair of enantiomers, related as a left hand is to a right hand.
Where people slip
Unlike geometric isomers, enantiomers share nearly the same melting point, boiling point, and solubility — not distinguishable by ordinary means.
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