A solution of 400mg of optically active 2-butanol in 10 mL of water, placed in a 20 cm cell shows an optical rotation of 40o. What is the specific rotation of this compound?

Specififc rotation [∝] = 0.5° mL/g.dm

Explanation:

Given that:

mass = 400 mg

volume = 10 mL

For a solution,

The Concentration = mass/volume

Concentration = 400/10

Concentration = 40 g/mL

The path length l = 20 cm = 2 dm

Observed rotation [∝] = + 40°

Specififc rotation [∝] = ∝/l × c

where;

l = path length

c = concentration

Specififc rotation [∝] = (40 / 2 × 40)

Specififc rotation [∝] = 0.5° mL/g.dm

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