How can the rotary power of a molecule be determined by comparing substructures?

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Determining whether a molecule is dextrorotatory or levorotatory cannot be done solely by examining its 3D structure; it requires experimental methods. The key technique involves passing plane-polarized light through the compound. If the light is rotated clockwise, the compound is classified as dextrorotatory; if it rotates anti-clockwise, it is levorotatory. There is ongoing research in this area, including studies that compare the rotary power of substructures within larger molecules to predict the overall behavior. Relevant literature, such as an article from the Journal of Organic Chemistry, may provide further insights into these methodologies.
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how can i tell if a molecule is dextorotory or levorotory by looking at the 3-d presentation? any thoughts!
 
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No, we can not judge this just looking at the 3-d presentation of a compound.
It is judged by experimentation.

We pass plane-polarized light through the compound..
if the compound rotates the light clockwise, it is said to be dextro-rotatory..
and if the compound rotates the light anti-clockwise, it is said to be levo-rotatory.
 
There is some work in that field. I remember something about the requirement to compare a part or sub structure's rotary power of a larger molecule and apply the result across the entire molecule. References within http://www.sciencedirect.com/science?_ob=ArticleURL&_udi=B6THT-4CPD575-3&_user=10&_rdoc=1&_fmt=&_orig=search&_sort=d&_docanchor=&view=c&_searchStrId=1066511998&_rerunOrigin=google&_acct=C000050221&_version=1&_urlVersion=0&_userid=10&md5=7b2dce750534a20105a5a375820dfe5c" (specifically, J. Org. Chem. 2003, 68, 5186) should describe one group's efforts along those lines. If you are close to a library, you might look it up.
 
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