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louie3006
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how can i tell if a molecule is dextorotory or levorotory by looking at the 3-d presentation? any thoughts!
Dextorotory and levorotory refer to the direction in which a molecule rotates polarized light. Dextorotory molecules rotate light in a clockwise direction, while levorotory molecules rotate light in a counterclockwise direction.
The chirality, or handedness, of a molecule is what determines whether it is dextorotory or levorotory. Chirality is a property of a molecule that describes its non-superimposable mirror image. If a molecule has a chiral center, it can exist in two different forms (enantiomers) that are mirror images of each other, and one enantiomer will be dextorotory while the other will be levorotory.
Dextorotory and levorotory molecules have the same chemical and physical properties, except for the direction in which they rotate polarized light. This property is important in analytical techniques, such as polarimetry, which can be used to identify and separate enantiomers of a molecule.
The effects of dextorotory and levorotory molecules on living organisms can vary. Some enantiomers of drugs, for example, can have different biological effects. In some cases, one enantiomer may be beneficial while the other can be harmful. This is why drug companies often produce and test both enantiomers of a drug to determine which one is more effective and safe for use.
No, a molecule cannot change its chirality or handedness. However, some molecules can undergo a process called racemization, where they convert from one enantiomer to another. This can happen through chemical reactions or in biological systems, but the overall number of dextorotory and levorotory molecules will remain the same.