Racemic Modification (Racemization)

Racemic Modification (Racemization) is the formation of an equimolar mixture of two enantiomers, making the mixture optically inactive.

What is a Racemic Mixture?

• A racemic mixture (also called a racemate) is a 1:1 mixture of two enantiomers of a chiral compound:
• One is dextrorotatory (+)
• One is levorotatory (−)
• Their optical rotations cancel, so the mixture is optically inactive

Racemic Modification (Racemization)

• Racemization is the process of converting an optically active compound (pure enantiomer) into a racemic mixture.

  • How does it happen?

    • • Often occurs under the influence of:
      • Heat
      • Acids or bases
      • Light
      • Catalysts
  • It involves the formation of a planar or achiral intermediate, allowing the creation of both enantiomers
• 

Example:

• An optically active lactic acid (say, only the R-isomer) upon heating or in acidic solution can convert to a 50:50 mixture of R- and S-lactic acid.

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