Chapter 23.6, Problem 23.14P

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The information regarding the formation of optically active product after the reaction of $\text{D}-\text{glucose}$ with sodium borohydride and optically inactive product after the reaction of $\text{D}-\text{galactose}$ with sodium borohydride is given. An explanation corresponding to this loss of optical activity is to be stated.

Concept introduction:

The species that are asymmetric in nature have a tendency to rotate plane of polarized light and is thus optically active in nature. Optically active compounds rotate the plane of polarization in a clockwise direction and are non-super imposable mirror images of each other.