Configuration of lactic acid
This chemistry question involves key chemical concepts and calculations. The detailed solution below walks through each step, from identifying the reaction type to computing the final answer.
ScanSolve AI Answer
Lactic acid has the chemical formula C₃H₆O₃. It is a chiral molecule, meaning it exists as two stereoisomers (enantiomers):
L-(+)-lactic acid* (also known as (S)-lactic acid)
D-(-)-lactic acid* (also known as (R)-lactic acid)
The structure of lactic acid is:
CH₃–CH(OH)–COOH
The central carbon atom (the alpha-carbon) is bonded to a methyl group (CH₃), a hydroxyl group (OH), a carboxyl group (COOH), and a hydrogen atom (H).
Because this central carbon is bonded to four different groups, it is a chiral center*.
In biological systems, L-(+)-lactic acid is the predominant form.