Properties of Enantiomers Physical Differences

FIGURE 4.14 The (+)-enantiomer rotates the plane of plane-polarized light clockwise. The (-)-enantiomer rotates the light an equal amount counterclockwise. 

Plane-polarized light enters a tube containing one enantiometer of 3-methylhexane 

The plane of light is rotated clockwise as viewed from the front 

FIGURE 4.15 There is no net rotation by a racemic mixture of enantiomers. One isomer rotates the plane of plane-polarized light to the right and the other rotates it an equal amount to the left. 

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