Question

an experiment is being done. there are two vials. each vial comtains a pure substance. these two substances are either the same compund,enantiomers or diasteromers. what physical properties should analyze to determine the relationship btwn the compounds. explain how the physical properties would allow the chemist to understand the relationship.

Answer 1

Physical property we will use is the optical rotation of plane polarized light.

Diastereomers rotate the plane polarized light with different magnitudes.

Enantiomer rotate the plane polarized light with same magnitude but in opposite direction .

And identical compounds rotate the plane polarized light in same direction with same magnitude.

Thus , if 2 compounds rotate the light with different magnitude then these are diastereomer. If rotate the light with same magnitude but in opposite direction then these are enantiomers . If these compounds  rotate the light in same direction with same magnitude , then these are identical .