Polarimeter
What is Polarimeter?
A polarimeter is an optical instrument used to measure the angle of rotation of plane-polarized light as it passes through an optically active substance. It consists of a light source, a polarizer, a sample tube, an analyzer, and a detector. The specific rotation [α] measured by a polarimeter is a characteristic physical property used to identify chiral compounds, determine their concentration, and assess the enantiomeric excess in a mixture.
Key Facts
Frequently Asked Questions
A polarimeter is an optical instrument used to measure the angle of rotation of plane-polarized light as it passes through an optically active substance. It consists of a light source, a polarizer, a sample tube, an analyzer, and a detector. The specific rotation [α] measured by a polarimeter is a characteristic physical property used to identify chiral compounds, determine their concentration, and assess the enantiomeric excess in a mixture.