Mutarotation
Mutarotation
Mutarotation (/myuːtəˈroʊteɪʃən/) is a characteristic of certain chemical compounds that exhibit the ability to change their optical rotation as a result of changes in the spatial orientation of their molecules. The term is derived from the Latin 'mutare', meaning to change, and 'rotation', which refers to the movement of an object in a circular path around a central point.
Etymology
The term 'Mutarotation' is derived from the Latin word 'mutare', which means 'to change', and the English word 'rotation'. It was first used in the field of chemistry to describe the change in the optical rotation because of the change in the structure of the molecule.
Process
Mutarotation occurs when a substance in an aqueous solution undergoes a change in its optical rotation due to the alteration of its molecular structure. This process is particularly common in carbohydrates, such as glucose and fructose, which can exist in both alpha and beta forms. The rate of mutarotation is influenced by the temperature and pH of the solution.
Related Terms
- Optical rotation: The rotation of the plane of polarized light as it passes through a substance.
- Alpha and beta forms: Different forms of a molecule where the atoms are arranged differently.
- Carbohydrate: A large group of organic compounds occurring in foods and living tissues, including sugars, starch, and cellulose.
- Glucose: A simple sugar that is an important energy source in living organisms and is a component of many carbohydrates.
- Fructose: A hexose sugar found especially in honey and fruit.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Mutarotation
- Wikipedia's article - Mutarotation
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