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Lactic acid loses its optical activity when the hydroxyl group is replaced by hydrogen because

1. the chiral center present in the molecule is eliminated
2. the molecule becomes asymmetric
3. its configuration is altered
4. a structural modification takes place

Correct answer: the chiral center present in the molecule is eliminated

Solution

Lactic acid CH3-CHOH-COOH becomes CH3-CH2-COOH when OH is replaced by H, eliminating the asymmetric (chiral) carbon - hence loss of optical activity. The cause is removal of the chiral centre, not a mere change of configuration.

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