question_answer

Which of the following acids does not exhibit optical isomerism?             [AIPMT (S) 2012]

A) Maleic acid

B) \[\alpha -\]amino acids

C) Lactic acid

D) Tartaric acid

Correct Answer: A

Solution :

[a] Only those compounds exhibit optical isomerism, which have chiral centre and/or absence of symmetry elements. (Chiral carbon is the carbon all the four valencies of which are satisfied by four different groups.)                          Thus, maleic acid does not exhibit optical isomerism. Note If R = H, the a-amino acid is achiral.