Laevorotatory meaning

Laevorotatory refers to a substance that rotates plane-polarized light to the left.


Laevorotatory definitions

Word backwards yrotatoroveal
Part of speech Adjective
Syllabic division lae-vo-ro-ta-to-ry
Plural The plural form of laevorotatory is laevorotatories.
Total letters 13
Vogais (3) a,e,o
Consonants (5) l,v,r,t,y

Laevorotatory is a term used in chemistry to describe a specific property of certain molecules. These molecules rotate plane-polarized light to the left, hence the name "laevo" meaning left, in Latin. This property is denoted by the symbol (−) or the letters L or S.

Definition of Laevorotatory

Laevorotatory, also known as levorotatory, refers to the optical rotation exhibited by chiral molecules that deflect polarized light to the left. This phenomenon is crucial in understanding the properties and behaviors of various organic compounds.

Chirality in Molecules

Chirality is a fundamental concept in chemistry that describes molecules that are non-superimposable mirror images of each other. These molecules, known as enantiomers, exhibit different optical activities, including being laevorotatory or dextrorotatory.

Importance of Optical Rotation

Optical rotation plays a significant role in various scientific fields such as pharmaceuticals, biochemistry, and organic chemistry. By understanding the direction in which a molecule rotates polarized light, researchers can determine its stereochemistry and other important properties.

Enantiomers exist in pairs where one is laevorotatory and the other is dextrorotatory, thereby providing valuable information about the spatial arrangement of atoms in a molecule. It is essential to distinguish between these enantiomers in various applications to avoid unwanted side effects or inefficacies.

In conclusion, laevorotatory molecules hold a vital place in the realm of chemistry and offer valuable insights into the structure and behavior of organic compounds. Understanding optical rotation and chirality is essential for researchers and scientists in various fields to advance their knowledge and applications.


Laevorotatory Examples

  1. The laevorotatory nature of certain molecules affects their interaction with other compounds.
  2. Scientists observed that the compound exhibited laevorotatory behavior under specific conditions.
  3. Understanding the laevorotatory properties of a substance can be crucial in pharmaceutical research.
  4. The laevorotatory rotation of polarized light by the sample indicated its optical activity.
  5. Chemists use instruments like polarimeters to measure the degree of laevorotatory rotation in a sample.
  6. The presence of a laevorotatory compound can influence the overall flavor profile of a food product.
  7. Students in organic chemistry class learned about the concept of laevorotatory and dextrorotatory isomers.
  8. The pharmaceutical company studied the laevorotatory effects of the new drug candidate on human cells.
  9. Astronomers observed a laevorotatory motion in a specific galaxy cluster, indicating a unique gravitational influence.
  10. Analyzing the laevorotatory characteristics of a substance can provide valuable insights into its chemical structure.


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  • Updated 27/03/2024 - 08:37:25