Plane Of Symmetry
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Topic: Stereochemistry : Plane Of Symmetry

Plane of Symmetry
An imaginary plane which bisects the molecule/species in two equal halves in such a way that each half of the molecule/species is the mirror image of the other half.The plane of symmetry or mirror plane always produces a mirror image geometry of the molecule . The mirror plane must include its center of geometry. Presence of mirror plane makes the molecule symmetrical and cause loss of chirality.

Example 1 : Methene : It has plane of symmetry, hence it is optically inactive.
Example 2 : Ethene : It has plane of symmetry, hence it is optically inactive.
Example 3 : Methylene Chloride: CH2Cl2 It has plane of symmetry, hence it is optically inactive.
Example 4 : 2- Butene : It has plane of symmetry, hence it is optically inactive.
Example 5 : Cyclo Butane : It has plane of symmetry, hence it is optically inactive.
Example 6 : Allene : It has plane of symmetry, hence it is optically inactive.
Example 7 : Lactic acid : It is chiral (optically active ). it has no plane of symmetry.