Racemization

1. Definition of Racemization:

   • Racemization is the interconversion of enantiomers (optical isomers) that can lead to changes in biological activity.

2. Mechanism:

   • A chiral molecule can transform into its mirror-image isomer under certain conditions (pH, temperature, etc.).

Examples:           

1. Example Reaction (Racemization of Amino Acids):
   •  L-AminoAcid —[pH, temperature]→ D-AminoAcid
2. Thalidomide: One enantiomer is therapeutic, while the other is teratogenic.
3. Epinephrine: Converts to inactive isomers at higher pH.

Prevention Strategies of Racemization:

• Optimize pH and temperature during storage.
• Stabilize formulations using buffers.
• Choose enantiomerically pure drugs if racemization poses a risk.

Thank you for reading from Firsthope's notes, don't forget to check YouTube videos!