Racemic Mixture

A racemic mixture is a blend of two enantiomers, which are molecules that are mirror images of each other, like left and right hands. In this mixture, the two enantiomers are present in equal amounts, making their effects on the body cancel each other out. This can reduce the effectiveness of the substance compared to one of the pure enantiomers. Racemic mixtures are often encountered in pharmaceuticals, since many drugs are made from chiral molecules. Understanding these mixtures is essential in drug development and can influence how medications work in the body.