Racemisk

Racemisk is a term used in chemistry to describe a mixture that contains equal amounts of the two enantiomers of a chiral molecule. The term is commonly translated as racemic in English. Such a mixture is called a racemate, and it is typically formed when a reaction produces both enantiomers in equal yield.

In a racemate, the optical activities of the enantiomers cancel each other out, so the mixture is optically inactive. This means that measurements of optical rotation yield a net rotation of zero, even though each individual enantiomer is optically active. The concept is fundamental to stereochemistry, as the properties of a pure enantiomer can differ markedly from those of a racemate.

Racemization is the process by which a chiral compound interconverts between its enantiomeric forms, potentially leading to a racemic mixture if the two forms equilibrate. Racemization can occur under certain conditions, such as heating, acid- or base-catalysis, or through enzymatic or catalytic processes. To obtain a single enantiomer from a racemate, chemists use resolution techniques, including the formation of diastereomeric salts, chiral chromatography, or enantioselective synthesis.

The status of a compound as racemisk has practical implications in pharmaceuticals and agrochemicals, where the two enantiomers may have different biological activities or safety profiles. Some drugs are marketed as racemates, while others are developed as single-enantiomer products to improve efficacy or reduce side effects. Distinguishing racemate from pure enantiomer is essential in synthesis, analysis, and regulatory assessment.