Orgo question: R,S vs. +,- enantiomers

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virtuoso735

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I know that there is no correlation between R, S enantiomers and being + or -, but is it the case that if two compounds are the same, but one is S and the other R, that they will rotate light in different directions? Is it always the case that when two compound are the same and the only difference is whether they are R or S at one stereocenter, then it is always the case that they will be optical enantiomers (one is + and one is -)?
 
I know that there is no correlation between R, S enantiomers and being + or -, but is it the case that if two compounds are the same, but one is S and the other R, that they will rotate light in different directions? Is it always the case that when two compound are the same and the only difference is whether they are R or S at one stereocenter, then it is always the case that they will be optical enantiomers (one is + and one is -)?


Yes, R/S isomers rotate plane polarized light in opposite directions. R,S isomers can also be called +/- isomers or d/l isomers.

If R is +, S is -
If S is +, R is -

+ is dextrorotary and is clockwise. - is levorotary and is counterclockwise.
 
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