Polarimetry in Optical Activity

Polarimetry is the key to understanding chiral molecules in terms of optical activity.

This video goes behind the scenes of the polarimeter to help you understand what plane polarized light has to do with chiral molecules.

Part 1 (of 3) in this mini series explains + D and – L, dextrorotatory and levorotatory, and their (lack of) relationship to R and S designations.

(Watch on YouTube: Optics 1. Click CC for video transcription.)

<– Watch Previous Video: Stereochemistry R & S Trick for Newman Projections
–> Watch Next Video: Specific Rotation Calculation in Optical Activity

This is the 1st of 3 Optical Activity videos in the Stereochemistry Series. Click HERE for the entire Chirality/Stereochemistry series.

Ready to test your stereochemistry skills? Try my FREE Chirality/Stereochemistry Practice Quiz and follow along with the Stereochemistry Cheat Sheet

Would a Model Kit help you? Watch How to Use Your Organic Chemistry Model Kit.