The CRC Handbook of Chemistry and Physics defines specific rotation as: For an optically active substance, defined by [α]θλ = α/γl, where α is the angle through which plane polarized light is rotated by a solution of mass concentration γ and path length l.
Values for specific rotation are reported in units of deg·mL·g−1·dm−1, which are typically shortened to just degrees, wherein the other components of the unit are tacitly assumed [REF].