What does racemization mean?
Racemization is the chemical process in which an optically active, chiral compound changes into a racemic mixture: an equal combination of two enantiomers, molecules that are mirror images of one another. Although the individual molecules remain chiral, their opposing effects on polarized light cancel, so the mixture has no net optical rotation. Racemization may occur through reversible chemical reactions or spontaneous interconversion and can be accelerated by heat, light, catalysts, or suitable solvent conditions. The term is used especially in organic chemistry, stereochemistry, and studies of reaction mechanisms, including investigations of how molecular configuration changes during reactions. It is also useful when discussing the stability, formation, or breakdown of optically active substances. The related process of resolution performs the opposite task by separating a racemic mixture into its individual enantiomers.
nounThe chemical process by which an optically active compound changes into a racemic mixture containing equal amounts of two mirror-image enantiomers, eliminating its net optical rotation.
- The chemical conversion of an optically active compound into a racemic mixture of equal amounts of its two enantiomers.
"Thermal racemization gradually erased the sample's optical activity."
"Thermal racemization gradually erased the sample's optical activity."
"The chemist used a catalyst to accelerate the racemization of the chiral intermediate."
Rare; racemization is normally treated as an uncountable noun when referring to the general chemical process.
"The racemizations of several substrates followed different reaction kinetics."
Racemization can erase a molecule's handedness, turning an optically active compound into a balanced mixture of mirror images.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does racemization come from?
The word was formed from “racemic” plus the suffix “-ization,” a combination expressing the making or conversion into a racemic state. “Racemic” in turn derives from “racemate,” ultimately from Latin “racemus,” meaning a cluster or bunch, by way of the botanical sense of a raceme. The alternative British spelling “racemisation” reflects the usual British preference for “-isation.”
Related word forms
How racemization is actually used
This is chiefly a technical term in organic and physical chemistry. British English often spells it “racemisation,” while the spelling with “z” is standard in American English and also widely used in British scientific writing.