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Edexcel A-Level Chemistry A2 15.2 Optical Isomerism Results From Chiral Centre S in a Molecule with Asymmetric Carbon Atom S and That Optical Isomers Questions

Check whether one carbon is bonded to four different groups, then use wedge and dashed bonds or mirror-image drawings to show the stereochemical relationship.

Syllabus
First assessment 2019
Course
Chemistry YCH11
Level
A2

Exam points

  • Mark or count chiral centres in displayed, skeletal, amino acid or medicine structures.
  • Explain optical isomerism through non-superimposable mirror-image enantiomers.
  • Draw 3D enantiomer diagrams with wedges, dashed bonds and a true mirror relationship.

Edexcel A-Level Chemistry A2 15.2 Optical Isomerism Results From Chiral Centre S in a Molecule with Asymmetric Carbon Atom S and That Optical Isomers Questions question 1

[Maximum number: 1]

This question is about carboxylic acids and their derivatives.

Lactic acid, CH3CH(OH)COOH\mathrm{CH}_{3} \mathrm{CH}(\mathrm{OH}) \mathrm{COOH}, is produced in muscles as a result of anaerobic respiration.

The structure of lactic acid is

Figure for Question Edexcel A-Level Chemistry A2 15.2 Optical Isomerism Results From Chiral Centre S in a Molecule with Asymmetric Carbon Atom S and That Optical Isomers Questions question 1 — Edexcel A-Level Chemistry A2

Give a reason why lactic acid shows optical isomerism.
(1)

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