Which one of the following acids does not exhibit optical isomerism?

Which one of the following acids does not exhibit optical isomerism?
  1. Lactic acid
  2. Tartaric acid
  3. Maleic acid
  4. $\alpha$-amino acids

Solution

Optical isomers contain an asymmetric (chiral) carbon atom (a carbon atom attached to four different atoms or groups). Therefore all except maleic acid exhibit optical isomerism.

Asked in: JEE Main 2014 (12 Apr Online)

Practice more General Organic Chemistry questions on Aicharya