Optical rotation second-order effects

The optical rotatory power (ORP) classical phenomenological theory is developed to a higher order with respect to the one usually dealt with. All the formulae needed for the passage from the molecular parameters to the macroscopic ones which are present in the correct phenomenological material medium equations are deduced. In particular a minor term which has already been considered by Condon has been corrected. The possibility that an experimental measurement on a racemate could allow a determination of the ORP of its components is discussed. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.