Which one of the following statements is false ?

Options

A. R and S configurations correspond to the enantiomers of an optically active compound
B. The process of converting an optically active compound into a racemate is called racemization
C. A molecule containing a plane of symmetry can be optically active
D. Optical isomers that are not enantiomers are called diastereroisomers

Answer

To determine which statement is false, we will analyze each option provided in the question.

1. **Statement 1**: R and S configuration correspond to enantiomers of an optical active compound.
- **Analysis**: Enantiomers are indeed pairs of molecules that are non-superimposable mirror images of each other. The R and S configurations refer to the stereochemical descriptors of these enantiomers. Therefore, this statement is true.

2. **Statement 2**: The process of converting an optical active compound into a racemate is called racemization.
- **Analysis**: Racemization is the process through which an optically active compound (which has a specific optical rotation) is converted into a racemic mixture (which has no optical activity due to the equal presence of both enantiomers). This statement is also true.

3. **Statement 3**: A molecule containing a plane of symmetry can be optically active.
- **Analysis**: A molecule with a plane of symmetry is typically superimposable on its mirror image, which means it is not optically active. Therefore, this statement is false.

4. **Statement 4**: Optical isomers that are not enantiomers are called diastereomers.
- **Analysis**: Diastereomers are indeed stereoisomers that are not mirror images of each other. This statement is true.

Based on the analysis above, the false statement is:

**Answer**: Statement 3 is false: "A molecule containing a plane of symmetry can be optically active."

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