Meso-tartaric acid possesses two genuine chiral centers, yet it is completely optically inactive in — Isomerism and Stereochemistry Chemistry Question
Question
Meso-tartaric acid possesses two genuine chiral centers, yet it is completely optically inactive in a polarimeter. What specific molecular feature causes this phenomenon?
Answer: B
💡 Solution & Explanation
A meso compound is defined as a molecule containing multiple genuine chiral centers while remaining overall achiral. This occurs because the molecule possesses an internal element of symmetry (like a Plane of Symmetry). The optical rotation of the top half is exactly canceled by the opposite rotation of the identical bottom half.
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