The specific optical rotation of L-Arginine is +26.5 +/- 0.5 degrees.
This measurement is a crucial characteristic for identifying and confirming the purity and identity of L-Arginine. Optical rotation is a property of chiral molecules like L-Arginine, indicating their ability to rotate the plane of polarized light.
Specific Optical Rotation Details for L-Arginine
To ensure the accuracy and comparability of the optical rotation value, specific conditions must be met during the measurement. For L-Arginine, these conditions are precisely defined:
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Specific Optical Rotation | +26.5 +/- 0.5 degrees |
| Concentration (c) | 5 (likely 5 g/100 mL, a common standard for 'c=5') |
| Solvent | 5 M HCl |
This value confirms that L-Arginine is a dextrorotatory compound under these specific conditions, meaning it rotates the plane of polarized light in a clockwise direction. The "L" in L-Arginine refers to its stereochemical configuration, not directly to the direction of optical rotation, as compounds with the "L" configuration can be either dextrorotatory (+) or levorotatory (-).
The appearance of L-Arginine is typically a white to almost white crystalline powder or crystals, further confirming its identity alongside its specific optical rotation.
