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Chiral molecules have different atomic configurations and cannot be superimposed. Optical isomers affect plane-polarized light and can be tested using a polarimeter. They are found in amino acids, sugars, and proteins and can be used to measure purity and separate substances in scientific research.
Two molecules of the same chemical composition can be built with different atomic configurations. The atoms in these molecules are arranged differently and when their mirror images face in the same direction, the atoms in these molecules do not line up with each other. These molecules are also known as chiral molecules. Chiral molecules cannot be superimposed on each other. An isomer is such a molecule.
An optical isomer is a molecule that has an effect on plane-polarized light. Light waves have specific frequencies. Polarized light travels in waves in a specific plane, or frequency of vibration. As a single frequency of light travels through optical isomers, its plane is rotated. This rotation can be clockwise or counterclockwise depending on the electric charge of the isomers.
Scientists usually test optical isomers using a polarimeter. The components of a polarimeter usually include a piece of polarized material through which light passes, a tube used to hold a solution, a rotating analyzer, and an eyepiece. The tube is filled with water, which has no electrical charge, and the analyzer is rotated so that no light can be seen passing through it.
Polarizers are usually crossed at a 45 degree angle. A solution containing optical isomers is added to the water and the analyzer is rotated until light is seen passing through the instrument. In this way the effect of the isomers can be measured and the angle of rotation can be noted.
Examples of isomers are amino acids, sugars and proteins. The different tastes and smells of some foods can be attributed to the way the atoms in these foods are aligned. Receptors in the mouth and nose can sense the taste and aroma of foods based on how these molecules are arranged and how they react to these receptors.
Optical isomers can also be used to measure the purity of a chemical solution. For example, they can be used in the sugar industry to measure the concentration of bulk sugar syrup. In medicine, the use of these isomers to measure blood sugar levels in diabetics is developing. Optical mineralogy can also use isomers to identify materials in a thin section of mineral deposits.
The separation of optical isomers can be a useful tool for scientific research. In the study of amino acids, these acids can be separated and measured using optical isomers. A substance containing these isomers is passed through a solid or liquid that has electrically charged atoms, and the isomers are separated by the reaction of the electrical charge of the solution and the isomers. Optical isomers are a common occurrence in natural chemistry and can be used in many industries, including medical research.
