optical isomerism


nounChemistry.
  1. stereoisomerism in which the isomers are identical in molecular weight and most chemical and physical properties but differ in their effect on the rotation of polarized light.

Origin of optical isomerism

1
First recorded in 1890–95

Words Nearby optical isomerism

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British Dictionary definitions for optical isomerism

optical isomerism

noun
  1. isomerism of chemical compounds in which the two isomers differ only in that their molecules are mirror images of each other: See also dextrorotation, laevorotatory, racemize

Derived forms of optical isomerism

  • optical isomer, noun

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