The specific rotational angle of plane polarized light produced by optically active substances in solution serves as an aid to their identification and to the measurement of their concentration and purity, and may for example be used to investigate the kinetics of reactions involving such substances. The use of a novel, low-cost, moderately sensitive polarimeter is illustrated for determining the specific rotational angle of sucrose and the rate and order of its hydrolysis into fructose and glucose in acidic aqueous solution.
John C. O’;C. Young (Fri,) studied this question.