What optical technique measures the rotation of plane-polarized light to distinguish between chiral enantiomers?
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: C. Polarimetry
- Step 1: Chiral molecules rotate the plane of plane-polarized light due to optical activity. Step 2. A polarimeter measures the angle of optical rotation; dextrorotatory (+) rotates clockwise, levorotatory (-) counterclockwise. Answer: Polarimetry. Why not the others: Enantiomers have identical IR and UV-Vis spectra, differing only in optical rotation and chiral interactions.
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