Chapter U2, Problem SIV5E

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The reason due to which a person can smell L-carvone but not its mirror-image isomer D-carvone needs to be explained with the help of receptor site theory.

Concept introduction:

A person can smell a substance when the molecule from the substance reaches to nasal receptor and binds properly generating a nerve impulse.

Answer to Problem SIV5E

As three dimensional orientations of L-carvone and D-carvone are opposite both the molecule will not fit with receptor site.

Explanation of Solution

Structures of L-carvone and D-carvone are shown below:

  

It is clear that though bond connectivities and overall structures are identical, there are differences in three dimensional orientations. Thus, L-carvone will fit with receptor site but D-carvone will not fit. That’s why a person can smell L-carvone but not D-carvone.

Conclusion

L-Carvone and D-carvone has difference in three dimensional structures thus, both cannot fit with same receptor.