Optically active compounds that rotate plane polarized light to the left are called dextrorotatory
A) True
B) False
The correct answer and explanation is :
The correct answer is:
B) False
Explanation:
Optically active compounds are those that can rotate the plane of polarized light. The direction of rotation can either be to the right (clockwise) or to the left (counterclockwise), and this property is due to the asymmetry in their molecular structure, specifically the presence of chiral centers.
- Dextrorotatory compounds are those that rotate the plane of polarized light to the right (clockwise). These compounds are designated with a positive (+) sign. The term “dextrorotatory” comes from the Latin word “dexter,” meaning right, indicating that these compounds rotate the plane of polarized light in a rightward direction.
- On the other hand, levorotatory compounds are those that rotate the plane of polarized light to the left (counterclockwise). These compounds are designated with a negative (-) sign. The term “levorotatory” comes from the Latin word “laevus,” meaning left, indicating that these compounds rotate the plane of polarized light in a leftward direction.
In summary, dextrorotatory refers to a compound that rotates the plane of polarized light to the right, not to the left. The correct term for compounds that rotate the light to the left is levorotatory. Therefore, the statement in the question is incorrect, and the correct answer is False.