Which of the following statements is correct for enantiomers?

(A) They exist as a pair of non-superimposable mirror images.
(B) They possess identical physical properties.
(C) They differ with respect to the rotation of plane polarized light.
(D) A mixture containing a 1:1 ratio of enantiomers is optically inactive.

Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

(A), (B), (C) and (D)

The correct answer is Option (3) → (A), (B), (C) and (D)

Core Concept

Enantiomers are stereoisomers that are mirror images but non-superimposable. They have identical physical properties except for their interaction with plane polarized light and chiral environments.

A 1:1 mixture of enantiomers is called a racemic mixture and is optically inactive.

Explanation of Each Option

(A) They exist as a pair of non-superimposable mirror images.

This is the defining feature of enantiomers. They are mirror images that cannot be placed on one another exactly like left and right hands. Hence, this statement is correct.

(B) They possess identical physical properties.

Enantiomers have identical melting point, boiling point, density, and solubility in achiral media. They only differ in optical activity and reactions with other chiral substances. Hence, this statement is correct.

(C) They differ with respect to the rotation of plane polarized light.

One enantiomer rotates plane polarized light in clockwise direction while the other rotates it in anticlockwise direction by equal magnitude. Thus they differ in optical rotation. Hence, this statement is correct.

(D) A mixture containing a 1:1 ratio of enantiomers is optically inactive.

Equal and opposite rotations cancel each other. Such a mixture is called a racemic mixture. Hence, this statement is correct.