Chemistry

Optical isomerism, also known as stereoisomerism, is a type of isomerism in which molecules have the same molecular formula and bond arrangement, but differ in the arrangement of their atoms in space. This results in molecules that have different properties, including different polarities and reactivities.Optical isomerism occurs when substances have the same molecular formula and structural formula, but one cannot be superimposed on the other. Put simply, optical isomers are mirror images of each other. Molecules like this are said to be chiral.