Structural formulas & optical activity

In summary, a structural formula is a graphical representation of a molecule's arrangement of atoms and bonds, providing information about its chemical structure. It differs from a molecular formula, which only shows the number and type of atoms. Optical activity, determined by a molecule's structural formula, refers to its ability to rotate polarized light. The direction of rotation is determined by the spatial arrangement of substituent groups. A molecule can only have one type of optical activity, either positive or negative, depending on its chiral or achiral structure.
  • #1
PhysicsCanuck
19
1
Homework Statement
Which of the following compounds is not optically active?
Relevant Equations
N/A
89349175_205983014097940_4022541854036721664_n.jpg

How do I determine which group is dash (into the page) and which is wedge (out of page)?
Won't that literally change which isomer it is?
How to determine optical activity then?
(I believe that in order for something to be optically active it has to be an enantiomer--a non-superimposable mirror image; therefore, I need to determine which of the four compounds don't fit that description.)

<<The textbook's answer is B because it is a meso compound.>>Thank you all for your consideration and help!
 
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  • #2
Google Fischer projection.
 

1. What is a structural formula?

A structural formula is a graphical representation that shows the arrangement of atoms in a molecule. It uses symbols and lines to represent the different elements and bonds between them.

2. How is optical activity related to structural formulas?

Optical activity is a property of certain molecules that causes them to rotate the plane of polarized light. This property is determined by the arrangement of atoms in the molecule, which can be represented by a structural formula.

3. How can you determine if a molecule is optically active?

A molecule is optically active if it contains a chiral center, which is a carbon atom bonded to four different groups. This can be determined by examining the structural formula and identifying any chiral centers.

4. What is the difference between a structural formula and a molecular formula?

A structural formula shows the arrangement of atoms in a molecule, while a molecular formula only indicates the types and numbers of atoms present in a molecule. For example, the molecular formula for glucose is C6H12O6, but its structural formula shows the specific arrangement of the carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen atoms.

5. Can a molecule have more than one structural formula?

Yes, a molecule can have different structural formulas if it can exist in different forms or isomers. For example, glucose and fructose have the same molecular formula (C6H12O6), but their structural formulas differ due to the different arrangement of atoms in their molecules.

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