AP BIOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -2-hydroxypropanoic acid has a central carbon atom, which is linked to four different groups. This carbon atom is called chiral carbon atom and the molecule is called chiral molecule. Hence, 2-hydroxypropanoic acid shows optical isomerism.

Detailed explanation-2: -This happens when a carbon atom has 4 different groups attached, this is called a chiral centre or asymmetric carbon. The two molecules are referred to as chiral or optically active. There are only ever two optical isomers formed for each chiral centre.

Detailed explanation-3: -Answer and Explanation: For compound to have optical isomers, it must contain a chiral carbon. A chiral carbon is a carbon atom that is bonded to 4 different groups.

Detailed explanation-4: –The number of optical isomers of a compound is determined by calculating the number of chiral centres in it.-The maximum number of optical isomers is given by the formula 2n−1, where n is the number of chiral centres.

Detailed explanation-5: -Glucose has four chiral carbons in its aldehyde form, and so there are 24, or 16 possible stereoisomers of this formula, only one of which is dextrose [(+)-glucose]. These 16 isomers are shown in Fig. 10-6.