Enantiomers are non-superimposable mirror images of each other, which means they have the same molecular formula and connectivity but differ in the spatial arrangement of their atoms. This difference in spatial arrangement leads to distinct interactions with plane-polarized light, resulting in different photochemical properties.The photochemical properties of enantiomers differ from one another mainly in their interaction with plane-polarized light. One enantiomer will rotate the plane of polarized light in a clockwise direction dextrorotatory, denoted as + or D , while the other enantiomer will rotate it in a counterclockwise direction levorotatory, denoted as - or L . This property is known as optical activity, and the extent of rotation is called the specific rotation.In addition to optical activity, enantiomers can also exhibit different photochemical reactions and behaviors when exposed to chiral environments or chiral catalysts. For example, they may undergo different rates of reaction or form different products when interacting with chiral molecules or surfaces.This information can be utilized in designing new chiral molecules with specific optical properties by:1. Synthesis of pure enantiomers: By synthesizing pure enantiomers, one can obtain molecules with desired optical properties. This can be achieved through asymmetric synthesis, chiral resolution, or chiral catalysis.2. Chiral switches: Designing molecules that can switch between their enantiomeric forms upon exposure to specific stimuli e.g., light, heat, or pH changes can lead to the development of smart materials with tunable optical properties.3. Chiral sensors: Enantiomers can be used to design chiral sensors that can detect and differentiate between other chiral molecules based on their specific interactions with plane-polarized light.4. Chiral catalysts: Designing chiral catalysts that can selectively promote the formation of one enantiomer over the other in a chemical reaction can help in the synthesis of optically active compounds with desired properties.5. Chiral materials: Incorporating enantiomers into materials e.g., polymers, liquid crystals, or nanoparticles can lead to the development of materials with unique optical properties, such as circularly polarized luminescence or chiroptical switches.In summary, understanding the photochemical properties of enantiomers and their differences can be crucial in designing new chiral molecules with specific optical properties. This knowledge can be applied in various fields, including pharmaceuticals, materials science, and analytical chemistry.