Are there any correlation between R/S and optical activity (+) and (-)

[m25]

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Like, if two molecules are enantiomers of each other such that one is R and the other is S will they also have the exact opposite optical rotation such that one has -35 and the other +35 degrees? Or am I misunderstanding some fundamental concept regarding stereochemistry?

 

[mehc012]

Like, if two molecules are enantiomers of each other such that one is R and the other is S will they also have the exact opposite optical rotation such that one has -35 and the other +35 degrees? Or am I misunderstanding some fundamental concept regarding stereochemistry?

Yes, they will have equal magnitudes of rotation, but in opposite directions. So if one is +35, the other will be -35. However, whether it is + or - does NOT correlate to whether it is R or S. So, for example, one R/S pair may be (+35)/(-35), while another R/S pair is (-30)/(+30).

 

[m25]

Yes, they will have equal magnitudes of rotation, but in opposite directions. So if one is +35, the other will be -35. However, whether it is + or - does NOT correlate to whether it is R or S. So, for example, one R/S pair may be (+35)/(-35), while another R/S pair is (-30)/(+30).

Ah I see, thank you! So do R/S and optical activity also have any correlation with L/R?

 

[SN2ed]

Thread closed. These types of questions belong in the MCAT Study Q&A forum only.