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| Enantiomers are
molecules of identical
composition, but are not superimposable upon
each other and are then two stereoisomers
that are mirror images of
each other and exhibit opposite
spatial configuration and are known to have
different optical activity.
One unusual property of enantiomers is that one isomer will rotate the plane of polarized light a set number of degrees to the right. This is called the Dextrorotatory isomer or (+) isomer, and sometimes by the configuration "R isomer" from latin root dexter, "right-handed", or rectus, "right, correct, upright". The other enantiomer will rotate the plane polarized light the same number of set degrees in the opposite left direction. This isomer is said to be a Levorotatory isomer or (-) isomer; also known by configuration as the "S" isomer from latin root, sinister, "left"]. |