5. Chirality

Which of the following types of compounds is most likely to undergo racemization when treated with aqueous acid or base ($H{2}_{}O$ + $H+$ or $\mathrm{OH}-$)?

Choose the best explanation for why a racemic mixture does not rotate plane-polarized light.

Given the compound ${\mathrm{CH}}_3\mathrm{CHBrClF}$, determine whether it is optically active or optically inactive.

a. Is (R)-lactic acid dextrorotatory or levorotatory?

b. Is (R)-sodium lactate dextrorotatory or levorotatory?

Explain how R and S are related to (+) and (-).

The reaction of (R)-1-iodo-2-methylbutane with hydroxide ion forms an alcohol without breaking any bonds to the asymmetric center. The alcohol rotates the plane of polarization of plane-polarized light counterclockwise. What is the configuration of (+)-2-methyl-1-butanol?