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Racemates

Definition:

Racemates refers to a mixture of enantiomers that are optically inactive due to equal proportions of left-handed (levo-) and right-handed (dextro-) enantiomers. These enantiomers have identical physical and chemical properties but differ in their direction of rotation of plane-polarized light.

Senses:

1. Chemistry:

In the field of chemistry, racemates are compounds that are formed by the combination of equal amounts of two enantiomers. They have no net optical activity and are usually represented as a 1:1 ratio of the two enantiomeric forms.

Example sentence: The racemates present in the mixture can often be separated by using various separation techniques like chiral chromatography.

Related products: [Chemistry books on racemates]

2. Pharmacology:

In pharmacology, racemates are sometimes used in situations where both enantiomers have desired therapeutic effects. Racemates are preferred in drug formulation as they are more cost-effective and easier to produce.

Example sentence: The pharmacologist recommended using racemates of the drug to maintain its potency while reducing manufacturing costs.

Related products: [Books on racemates in pharmacology]

3. Organic Chemistry:

In organic chemistry, racemates are often analyzed to determine the enantiomeric excess (ee) or purity of a sample, using techniques such as polarimetry or chiral high-performance liquid chromatography.

Example sentence: The researcher analyzed the racemates using a polarimeter to measure the optical rotation of the sample.

Related products: [Books on racemates in organic chemistry]

4. Medicine:

In medicine, racemates are occasionally used in certain applications, although the trend leans toward developing single-enantiomer drugs due to their specificity of action and reduced side effects.

Example sentence: The doctor prescribed a racemate for the patient's condition, considering the benefits of both enantiomers in targeting the symptoms.

Related products: [Books on racemates in medicine]