Chapter 24.8, Problem 8P

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The percent of $\text{α-}$ and $\text{β-D-mannopyranose}$ isomer at equilibrium has to be calculated.

Concept introduction:

A mixture that has an equal amount of enantiomers is commonly known as a racemic mixture. Enantiomers have non-superimposable mirror images of one other and therefore; they rotate the plane of polarized light in the opposite but equal direction. The racemic mixture is optically inactive in nature.

The property of a chiral compound in which the compound changes the orientation of the monochromatic light is known as specific rotation. This change in orientation takes place per unit distance-concentration of the product.