Q. An enantiomerically pure acid is treated with racemic mixture of an alcohol having one chiral carbon. The ester formed will be
A) Optically active mixture
B) Pure enantiomer
C) Meso compound
D) Racemic mixture
Explanation
(a)
(a) When optically active acid reacts with racemic mixture of an alcohol, it forms two types of isomeric esters. In each, the configuration of the chiral centre of acid will remain the same.
So, the mixture will be optically active.
Reviewed by Dr. Abubacker
Physics Educator & NEET/JEE Specialist
Ph.D. in Physics with 19+ years of teaching experience.