Question

2) Natural epinephrine (with a specific rotation of -50°) is used medicinally. Its enantiomer is medically worthless and is, in fact, toxic. You, a pharmacist, are given a solution said to contain epinephrine, but the optical purity is not mentioned. You place it in a polarimeter and get an observed optical rotation of -150. What is the enantiomeric excess of natural epinephrine? How much of each enantiomer is in the mixture? You must show your work to get credit.

Answer 1

Natural epinephrine specific rotation =-50° observed rotation = -15°, ct indicates raser Isoner in Natural epfhephrine (Negative sign) t. of le= observed rotation x loo. pure Isomer rotation = 30% % of ee = 30% (Enantionenc Exce88)

'nephrine and based on eet 30% Natural epinephrine 70% Racer and 70% Racenic mixture (pod 354 Natural Isoner +359) Toxic Isoner) . : Natural Epinephrine = 30% +35% .. toxic Isoner = 35%