Abstract
SUBSTANCES which exhibit optical activity in solution do so as a result of molecular dissymmetry, the most common cause of which is the presence of an asymmetric atom in the molecule. In the crystalline condition, optical activity may be exhibited by substances which do not contain dissymmetric molecules. In this case, the optical activity is due to a dissymmetric arrangement of the units which make up the crystal and disappears when the crystal is dissolved, because the structural dissymmetry is thus destroyed. Certain substances with dissymmetric molecules show a combination of these two effects, structural dissymmetry being superposed on the molecular dissymmetry in the crystalline condition.
Similar content being viewed by others
Article PDF
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
BALFE, M. Mutarotation of Gelatin. Nature 145, 429 (1940). https://doi.org/10.1038/145429a0
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/145429a0
Comments
By submitting a comment you agree to abide by our Terms and Community Guidelines. If you find something abusive or that does not comply with our terms or guidelines please flag it as inappropriate.