If (S)-glyceraldehyde has a specific rotation of -8.7°,what is the specific rotation of (R)-glyceraldehyde?
A)-8.7°
B)+8.7°
C)0)0°
D)cannot be determined from the information given

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Enantiomers have equal and opposite specific rotations. The sign of optical rotation depends on the direction of rotation of plane-polarized light, which is determined by the absolute configuration of the molecule. Therefore, if (S)-glyceraldehyde has a specific rotation of -8.7°, (R)-glyceraldehyde, its enantiomer, will have a specific rotation of +8.7°.

If (S)-Glyceraldehyde Has a Specific Rotation of -8