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  Home > JCE Print > Journal of Chemical Education > Issues > 2001  > November  >
In the Classroom
Tested Demonstrations
Demonstrating Chirality: Using a Mirror with Physical Models to Show Non-superimposability of Chiral Molecules with Their Mirror Images
Michael J. Collins
Department of Chemistry, Viterbo University, La Crosse, WI 54601
Cover
November 2001
Vol. 78 No. 11
p. 1484
Abstract
A visually engaging demonstration of molecular chirality uses a mirror and physical models of chiral, achiral, and meso molecules and their mirror images. In the demonstration, a model of a molecule of each type is hidden behind the mirror before class. To demonstrate chirality, the chiral molecule's mirror image is placed in front of the mirror so the class can view its image in the mirror. Standing to one side, the instructor reaches for the molecule in front of the mirror with one hand and simultaneously "reaches into" the mirror with the other hand, in such a way as to make the arm going behind the mirror line up visually with the mirror image of the arm in front of the mirror, to retrieve both the molecule and its "mirror image". This sleight-of-hand operation is visually appealing, and makes the point of mirror images in a memorable fashion.
More Information
*  Citation
 Collins, Michael J. J. Chem. Educ. 2001 78 1484.
*  Keywords
 Chirality / Optical Isomers; Demonstrations; General Chemistry; Organic Chemistry; Teaching / Learning Aids
*  History
 Created:
Last Updated:		 October 8, 2001
April 14, 2005
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