Author(s): Yin Yuying Liu Chunyun 
Pages: 7-11+15
Year: 1998 Issue:  1
Journal: Journal of Petrochemical Universities
Keyword:  Stereochemistry; Optical activity; Chirality; Helical structure;
Abstract: In material world, properties are determined by structure, so is optical activity. The chirality is an abstract concept but not a molecular structure itself. The optical activity cannot be determined by an abstract concept. The helical structure exists in all organic molecule. The helix is not a man-made concept but a substance. It has definite directional character and many characteristic parameters. The helical structure can be correlate with the rotatory direction and the value of optical rotation. The helical structure is just the essential cause resulting in the optical activity.