Optical Rotation

Name:
Optical Rotation
Detailed information:
The change of direction of the plane of polarized light to either the right or the left as it passes through a molecule containing one or more asymmetric carbon atoms, e.g., sugars. The direction of rotation, if to the right, is indicated by either a plus sign (+) or a d-; if to the left, by a minus sign (−) or an l-. Molecules having a right-handed configuration (d) usually are dextrorotatory, d(+), though they may be levorotatory, d(−); those having a left-handed configuration (l) are usually levorotatory, l(−), but may be dextrorotatory, d(+). Compounds having this property are said to be optically active and are isomeric. The amount of rotation varies with the compound but is the same for any two isomers, though in opposite directions.See Optical Isomer; Nicol.