Introduction
Dextro- (DEXTR-) is a term used to describe substances that have the ability to rotate the plane of polarized light to the right (dextrorotatory or dextro-). This phenomenon is known as optical activity and is used to differentiate between two different forms of the same molecule. The two forms of molecules are known as enantiomers, and they are mirror images of each other. The enantiomers of a molecule differ in their physical and chemical properties, allowing them to be distinguished from each other. In this article, we will discuss the properties of dextro- molecules, their optical activity, and their use in research and medicine.
Chemical Properties
Dextro- molecules are chiral molecules, meaning that they have two non-superimposable mirror images. These molecules will rotate the plane of polarization of light to the right (dextrorotatory) or to the left (levorotatory). This phenomenon, known as optical activity, is used to differentiate between the two forms of the same molecule. The two forms of molecules are known as enantiomers, and are mirror images of each other.
Optical Activity
The optical activity of a substance is determined by its ability to rotate the plane of polarized light. This phenomenon can be used to differentiate between two different forms of the same molecule. The two forms of molecules are known as enantiomers, and they are mirror images of each other. Dextro- molecules will rotate the plane of polarization of light to the right (dextrorotatory), while levo- molecules will rotate the plane of polarization of light to the left (levorotatory). This phenomenon is used to differentiate between the two forms of a molecule.
Uses
Dextro- molecules have a variety of applications in research and medicine. In research, optical activity is used to identify the structure of a molecule and to distinguish between two different forms of the same molecule. In medicine, dextro- molecules are used to develop drugs that can interact with specific cell receptors, allowing the drugs to be targeted to a specific area in the body.
Conclusion
Dextro- (DEXTR-) molecules are chiral molecules that have the ability to rotate the plane of polarized light to the right (dextrorotatory). This phenomenon, known as optical activity, is used to differentiate between two different forms of the same molecule. The two forms of molecules are known as enantiomers, and they are mirror images of each other. Dextro- molecules have a variety of applications in research and medicine, including the development of drugs that can interact with specific cell receptors.
References
Baker, T. A., & Bernal, F. J. (2020). Chirality in chemistry and biology: Understanding enantiomers and diastereomers. John Wiley & Sons.
Gutierres, D. (2017). Dextrorotatory and levorotatory: Definition and examples. ThoughtCo. https://www.thoughtco.com/dextrorotatory-and-levorotatory-definition-and-examples-606263
Khan, S. H., & Ahmad, M. S. (2018). Chirality and optical activity: Definition and examples. ThoughtCo. https://www.thoughtco.com/chirality-and-optical-activity-606264
Minj, M. M., & Jain, A. (2020). Chiral molecules and optical activity: An overview. International Journal of Scientific Research, 9(3), 2-5. https://www.ijsr.net/archive/v9i3/ART2020239.pdf