[mark-sev]

So the basis of interaction of polarized light with a chiral center is because there are 4 different substituents around and hence 4 different small electromagnetic fields around the chiral center...but why does it have to be 4 different, why wouldn't be enough 2... thanks for the answers..

[Arkcon]

Well, try to visualize it in what the difference is between two molecules, one chiral (4 different groups) and one achiral only two groups.  On that level, it is hard to see a polarized light beam different.  But, consider, you have a population -- many polarized light photons, many molecules -- now to you see what's happening?

[mark-sev]

Yeah the chance for the polarized light beam to go through just the right area is then quite slimmer,..but is there any slight observable effect?

[ARGOS++]

Dear mark-sev;

Sorry!, - but your imagination is wrong.
Also non-chiralic substances interact with polarised light.

The only difference is that chiralic substances have TWO different possibilities per centre to interact with polarised light, because the not absolutely identical resonance conditions for both isomers.


Good Luck!
                    ARGOS⁺⁺

[mark-sev]

I would also think it would be so, but u know what it is written in most of the textbook....do you have maybe 2 different CD spectra for a chiral and achiral molecule...to see the effect you described...