Definition
Racemization is a process wherein optically active compounds (which consist of only one enantiomer) are converted into an equal mixture of enantiomers with zero optical activity (a racemic mixture). Racemization rates are dependent on the molecule and conditions such as pH and temperature. For example, aqueous racemization of free protein amino acids takes place on timescales of 103–104 years at neutral pH and 25 °C. For comparison, hydrocarbons that contain a hydrogen atom attached to a chiral carbon atom have racemization half-lives under similar conditions that are much longer.
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© 2015 Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg
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Bada, J. (2015). Racemization. In: Gargaud, M., et al. Encyclopedia of Astrobiology. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-662-44185-5_1330
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-662-44185-5_1330
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