Dextrorotatory meaning

Dextrorotatory refers to a substance that rotates plane polarized light to the right.


Dextrorotatory definitions

Word backwards yrotatorortxed
Part of speech adjective
Syllabic division dex-tro-ro-ta-to-ry
Plural The plural of the word dextrorotatory is dextrorotatories.
Total letters 14
Vogais (3) e,o,a
Consonants (5) d,x,t,r,y

Understanding Dextrorotatory

Dextrorotatory, often abbreviated as dextrorotary or simply dextro, is a term used in the field of chemistry to describe the direction in which a substance rotates plane-polarized light. Specifically, a substance that is dextrorotatory will rotate plane-polarized light in a clockwise direction.

Mechanism of Dextrorotatory

The rotation of plane-polarized light by a dextrorotatory substance is due to its molecular structure. Molecules that are dextrorotatory have a specific arrangement of atoms that causes the plane-polarized light to rotate clockwise as it passes through the substance. This rotation can be measured and quantified using specialized instruments called polarimeters.

Chirality and Dextrorotatory

In many cases, dextrorotatory molecules are chiral, meaning they have a non-superimposable mirror image. Chirality plays a significant role in the optical activity of a substance, including whether it is dextrorotatory or levorotatory (rotates plane-polarized light counterclockwise).

Applications of Dextrorotatory

The phenomenon of dextrorotation has various applications in chemistry, biochemistry, and pharmaceuticals. It is used to determine the purity and composition of substances, identify unknown compounds, and even in drug development processes. Understanding the dextrorotatory properties of molecules is crucial in fields where optical activity is a key factor.

Enantiomers and chirality are fundamental concepts related to dextrorotatory molecules. The study of these properties is essential in understanding how a substance interacts with plane-polarized light and its applications in various scientific disciplines. For those exploring the intricacies of molecular behavior, dextrorotatory properties offer a fascinating realm to delve into.


Dextrorotatory Examples

  1. The dextrorotatory nature of the compound caused it to rotate polarized light to the right.
  2. The scientist observed the dextrorotatory behavior of the molecule under the microscope.
  3. The dextrorotatory property of the medication affected its pharmacological activity.
  4. The dextrorotatory chiral center in the molecule determined its optical activity.
  5. The lab technician analyzed the dextrorotatory compound using spectroscopic techniques.
  6. The dextrorotatory sugar molecule was key in the synthesis of a new pharmaceutical drug.
  7. The student conducted a study on the dextrorotatory properties of various organic compounds.
  8. The dextrorotatory amino acid played a crucial role in protein folding and structure.
  9. The dextrorotatory nature of the molecule was confirmed through optical rotation experiments.
  10. Researchers studied the dextrorotatory compounds to understand their biological functions.


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  • Updated 23/04/2024 - 02:19:02