RACEMATE Meaning and
Definition
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A racemate refers to a chemical mixture or compound composed of equal amounts of two enantiomers, which are mirror-image isomers that cannot be superimposed. Enantiomers possess identical physical properties, such as melting and boiling points, but differ in their three-dimensional spatial arrangements. Racemates, sometimes referred to as racemic mixtures or racemic compounds, are optically inactive due to the presence of both enantiomers canceling out each other's optical activity.
The formation of a racemate occurs when a chemical reaction produces equal quantities of enantiomers. This can happen when a reactant lacks chirality or asymmetry. Racemates are commonly encountered in organic chemistry, particularly in pharmaceuticals and drugs. While the individual enantiomers of a racemate may exhibit distinct pharmacological effects, the overall effect of the racemate is often a combination or an average of the individual effects.
The separation of a racemate into its enantiomers is a process known as resolution. There are various techniques available to achieve resolution, including chromatography, crystallization, and enzymatic methods. The separation of enantiomers is of great importance because they may possess different physiological activities or toxicities. Therefore, pharmaceutical manufacturers often aim to produce single-enantiomer drugs or optically pure compounds, as they can be more efficacious with fewer side effects.
In summary, a racemate is a chemical mixture containing equal quantities of two enantiomers, resulting in an optically inactive compound. Separation of enantiomers is commonly pursued in the field of pharmaceuticals, as individual enantiomers can exhibit varying effects.
Etymology of RACEMATE
The word "racemate" has its origin in Latin. It is a combination of two Latin words: "racemus" meaning "bunch of grapes" and "mater" meaning "mother".
The word "racemus" refers to a cluster or bunch of grapes, while "mater" means mother or source. In chemistry, a racemate refers to a compound that contains both enantiomers, which are mirror images of each other. This term was coined due to the structure of certain compounds resembling a bunch of grapes, with each enantiomer representing one grape. The addition of "mater" emphasizes that the racemate contains both "mothers" or sources of the enantiomers.
Overall, the etymology of "racemate" reflects the visual similarity between the compound's structure and a cluster of grapes as well as the inclusion of both enantiomers.
Similar spelling words for RACEMATE
- resomate,
- RSMD1,
- Resumed,
- Racemed,
- RSMIT,
- ryesmut,
- reassumed,
- RSMAD,
- rosemead,
- Rhizomata,
- racemoid,
- "resumed.
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