Optical isomerism:
Compounds which have the same molecular formula but differ in optical activity are known as optical isomers and the isomerism exhibited by them is called optical isomerism.
Optical isomerism in compounds having two asymmetric carbon atoms:
(i) – 2, 3 dichlorobutane acids (asymmetric molecule):
The structure I and II and structure III and IV are mirror images. These are known as enantiomers.
(ii) 2, 3 dihydroxy butanoic acids:
Structures I and II and structures III and IV are mirror images. These are known as enantiomers.
