The Absolute Configuration of Optically Active Molecules

The problem of the absolute configuration of optically active molecules is investigated with the aid of the Kirkwood theory of optical rotatory power. Absolute configurations are assigned to the enantiomorphs of 2,3-epoxybutane and 1,2-dichloropropane. The assignments are consistent with the established experimental configurational relationships between these compounds. The Fischer convention is confirmed as a structurally correct representation of absolute configuration. The magnitudes of the calculated rotations of the compounds are in reasonably good agreement with experiment. The theory accounts satisfactorily for the effect of temperature and solvent on the optical rotation of 1,2-dichloropropane.