Polarimetry: Specific Rotation of Sucrose CHM037.

2 Organic Chem Laboratory Manual

ACTIVITY No. 4
POLARIMETRY: SPECIFIC ROTATION OF SUCROSE

DATA:

Observed rotation Corrected vale

(2 pts. each) (2 pts. Each)

Blank setting NA -NA-

Distilled water 0 0

Sucrose solution +34.55 +34.55

Temperature: 34.00C

CALCULATIONS:
1. Concentration of sucrose solution, g/mL (2 pts)

T observed rotation(degrees)
[ α ]λ =
g
length of sample tube ( dm ) x D( )
mL

+ 34.55°
[ +34.55 ° ] =
g
1 dm x D( )
mL

g +34.55 °
D( )=
mL [ +34.55 ] (1 dm )

D ( mLg )= mL
1g

2. Specific rotation of sucrose solution (2 pts)

(34.0) +34.55°
[ α ](5893) =
1 dm x 1 g /mL

(34.0° )
[ α ](5893 Å )=+34.55 °

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 Polarimetry: Specific Rotation of Sucrose CHM037.2 Organic Chem Laboratory Manual

QUESTIONS:
1. Using all the necessary correct solutions, give the specific rotation of sucrose. (2 pts)

(34.0° )
[ α ](5893 Å )=+34.55 °

2. Why will an air bubble in the light path of the sample change the observed rotation?
Reflection/refraction across the spherical surface of an air bubble causes light to
disperse in different directions, resulting in scattering. Because the index of
refraction of an air bubble is lower than that of the surrounding medium, it
contributes complete reflection to dispersed irradiance at certain angles. This
scattering results in the interference of reflected and transmitted light, altering the
observation rotation.

3. Give the structure of sucrose. Why will it exhibit optical activity? (3 pts)

Sucrose is a mixture of glucose and fructose with 9 chiral centers. The combination of
glucose and fructose via glycoside bonds results in no components of symmetry, making it
optically active.
4. Explain the optical behavior of water in relation to its structure. (3pts)

Water is optically inactive or achiral due to the bent structure of the water molecule,
which possesses a plane of symmetry.

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 Polarimetry: Specific Rotation of Sucrose CHM037.2 Organic Chem Laboratory Manual

5. Which of the following do you expect to be optically active? Encircle the

letter(s) corresponding to your answer(s). (4pts)

Answer:

(b) The presence of asymmetric carbon or chiral carbon makes this compound optically
active

6. What is the effect of temperature on specific rotation? Explain briefly. (3pts)

Temperature influences how substances interact with light. As the temperature rises, the
molecule's characteristics alter, such as inducing a ring flip or weakening a bond, which
can have a significant impact on the substance's specific rotation.

7. Is the sucrose levo or dextro? (2pts)

Dextrorotatory

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 Polarimetry: Specific Rotation of Sucrose CHM037.2 Organic Chem Laboratory Manual

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