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Specific Rotation and Optical Activity Calculator

Calculate specific rotation from observed rotation, path length, and concentration.

Converts observed optical rotation α into specific rotation [α] using the formula [α] = α / (l · c), where l is the path length in dm and c is the concentration in g/mL.

Dr. Helena Ortiz By Dr. Helena Ortiz
Published Last reviewed 1 min read

Inputs

°
dm
g/mL

Results

Enter values and click Calculate to see results.
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How to use this calculator

  1. Fill in the inputs above using the units you already have.
  2. Values update automatically as you type — no submit button needed.
  3. Hover any result row for the underlying formula and intermediate values.

Formula

[α] = α / (l · c)

In depth

Converts observed optical rotation α into specific rotation [α] using the formula [α] = α / (l · c), where l is the path length in dm and c is the concentration in g/mL.