Definition

The process of converting a substance that has optical activity into a mixture that contains equal amounts of its two mirror-image forms.

Example

The racemization of the compound resulted in a mixture that was no longer optically active.

Conversation

Have you ever heard of racemization in chemistry?

Yeah, I think it's when an active compound becomes a mix of forms, right?

Exactly! It's really interesting how it affects reactions.

Totally, understanding racemization can really help in drug development.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Racemization → It is formed from "racemus" (from Latin, meaning a bunch or cluster, especially of grapes) and the suffix "-ization" (meaning the process of making or becoming). The word "racemization" refers to the process of converting a compound into a racemic mixture, which is a mixture containing equal amounts of left- and right-handed enantiomers.

Memory Tip

Think of a 'bunch' ('racemus') of grapes being mixed together in a process ('-ization') — that's what racemization means.

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