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Naturally occurring tartaric acid is found in the levo (L-) form (pictured below). If given a sample of optically pure tartaric acid of unknown isomeric form, which laboratory instrument or technique would you use to determine its identity?
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Correct Answer: B. Polarimeter.
A polarimeter is a device used for measuring the angle of rotation of plane-polarized light passed through optically active substances. When passed through these substances, optically active substances will cause the polarized light to rotate to either the left (counter-clockwise). The other instruments listed are unable to distinguish between enantiomeric forms.
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