Question

Which of these atoms in a molecule is responsible for dextro or levorotation of plane-polarized light?

• A. Terminal carbon atoms
• B. Carbonyl group
• C. Asymmetric/chiral carbons
• D. Functional group

Answer 1

The correct option is C

Asymmetric/chiral carbons

Molecules with asymmetric centers are capable of rotating plane-polarized light and depending on their ability to rotate plane-polarized light in the clockwise or counterclockwise direction they are called dextrorotatory or levorotatory. Many organic molecules possess asymmetric carbon atoms, that is carbon atoms that are attached to different functional groups. These molecules can rotate plane-polarized light.