Question

Which of the following compounds will undergo racemisation when solution of KOH hydrolyses?
(a) (i) and (ii)
(b) (ii) and (iv)
(c) (iii) and (iv)
(d) (i) and (iv)

Answer 1

option a........ because they are optically inactive

Answer 2

Answer:

Explanation:

Racemisation is the conversion, by a chemical reaction or by heat, of an optically active compound into an optically inactive form. Thus, in the process during the conversion half of the optically active substance becomes its mirror image (enantiomer). For example - amino acids being exposed to the basic conditions.

Chirality is the geometric property of few molecules and ions. A chiral molecule or an ion is a non-superposable on its mirror image.  The presence of an asymmetric carbon center induces chirality in organic and inorganic molecules. Thus, in the given diagram, due to chirality only compound (iv) will undergo racemisation, whereas the others do not show chirality.