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Date May 2017 Marks available 1 Reference code 17M.3.hl.TZ1.28
Level HL Paper 3 Time zone TZ1
Command term Describe Question number 28 Adapted from N/A

Question

A polarimeter can be used to determine the optical rotation of an optically active substance.

Describe what happens to plane-polarized light when it passes through a solution of an optically active compound.

[1]
a.

A mixture of enantiomers shows optical rotation.

Suggest a conclusion you can draw from this data.

[1]
b.

Markscheme

plane of polarization is rotated

 

Award zero if answer refers to plane-polarized light being bent.

[1 mark]

a.

not a racemic mixture
OR
two enantiomers not equimolar
OR
mixture contains optically active impurity
OR
relative proportions of enantiomers in mixture can be determined

[1 mark]

b.

Examiners report

[N/A]
a.
[N/A]
b.

Syllabus sections

Additional higher level (AHL) » Topic 20: Organic chemistry » 20.3 Stereoisomerism
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