optical rotation

American  

noun

Physical Chemistry.

1. the angle at which the plane of polarized light is rotated when passed through an optically active substance.

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optical rotation British  

noun

1. the angle through which plane-polarized light is rotated in its passage through a substance exhibiting optical activity

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Etymology

Origin of optical rotation

First recorded in 1890–95

Example Sentences

Java Citronella Oil.—Specific gravity at 15° C., 0.890-0.901; optical rotation, -1° to -6°; total acetylisable constituents, calculated as geraniol, 75-90 per cent.; soluble in 1-2 volumes of 80 per cent. alcohol.

From The Handbook of Soap Manufacture by Simmons, W. H.

Its specific gravity at 15° C. is 0.9795; optical rotation, -18°; and refractive index at 20° C., 1.507.

From The Handbook of Soap Manufacture by Simmons, W. H.

Its specific gravity at 15° C. is 0.854-0.870; optical rotation, +38° to +54°; soluble in 5-8 volumes of 90 per cent. alcohol.

From The Handbook of Soap Manufacture by Simmons, W. H.

French.—Specific gravity at 15° C., 0.917-0.925; optical rotation, -6° to -10°; total menthol, 45-55 per cent.; free menthol, 35-45 per cent.; soluble in 1 to 1.5 volumes of 80 per cent.

From The Handbook of Soap Manufacture by Simmons, W. H.

Specific gravity at 15° C., 0.874-0.880; optical rotation, -11° 30' to -16°; refractive index at 20° C., 1.4608-1.4630; soluble in 1.5 to 2 volumes of 70 per cent. alcohol.

From The Handbook of Soap Manufacture by Simmons, W. H.