Question

What do the dextro and levo prefixes mean in Latin?

Answer 1

Understanding the concept:

• The Latin word dexter is the source of the prefix dextro. It denotes being to the right($\mathrm{d}$) or on the right side.
• The Latin word laevo is where the prefix Levo originates. It denotes being to the left($\mathrm{l}$)or on the left.

Explanation of dextro($\mathrm{d}$) and levo($\mathrm{l}$) :

• The plane of polarisation rotates with the same angles but in the opposite direction for a pair of enantiomers with the same concentration and under the same circumstances.
• One moves in a clockwise direction, the other in a counterclockwise direction.
• The enantiomer is designated with the prefix ($\mathrm{d}$) or ($+$) and said to be dextrorotatory (Latin, which means to the right) since it rotates the plane of polarisation clockwise.
• The enantiomer is designated with the prefix ($\mathrm{l}$) or ($-$) and is known as levorotatory (Latin, which means to the left) since it rotates the plane of polarisation counterclockwise.
• These are different from capital $\mathrm{D}$ and $\mathrm{L}$notations( represent the presence of a $-\mathrm{OH}$group in a sugar molecule).
• For example, The second-to-last carbon's position of the hydroxyl group in sugars affects whether it is a $\mathrm{D}$- sugar or $\mathrm{L}$sugar.
• $\mathrm{D}$-sugars are those that have the hydroxyl group on the right side of that carbon atom, while $\mathrm{L}$-sugars have the hydroxyl group on the left.
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