the ability of a chemical compound to rotate the plane of plane-polarized light. This is found only in chemicals whose molecular structure does not have a plane of symmetry, and is common in biochemical compounds.
the property of some crystals, gases, liquids, and solutions to rotate plane-polarized light to the left or right. It occurs because the molecules that make up the substance through which the light beam is shone are asymmetric, i.e., they have no plane of symmetry. Asymmetric molecules are mirror images of each other that cannot be superimposed. This asymmetric property is also referred to as handedness. Examples are the L- and D-forms of amino acids.
The effect of some materials of rotating the plane of polarisation of a beam of light.
the effect of some materials causing the direction of polarization to rotate as the light passes through
optically active. A substance that is capable of rotating plane-polarized light. Molecules of an optically active substance cannot be superimposed on their own mirror images, just as your left hand cannot be superimposed on your right when both are held palm-down.
The rotation of plane polarized light by one of a pair of optical isomers.
The ability of certain substances to rotate the plane of polarization of plane polarized light.
the rotation of the plane of polarization by a chiral molecular species.
Result of handedness of branched molecules.
the property of certain substances to rotate plane polarized light. [It is associated with asymmetry. Compounds that possess a chiral carbon atom of all the same 'handedness' will rotate plane polarized light. Isomers that rotate light in equal but opposite directions are sometimes called 'optical isomers', although the better term to use is 'enantiomers'.
the rotation of polarization from interaction with a medium.
