Optical Resolution Notes: Definitions & Explanations PDF Download

Study Optical Resolution lecture notes PDF with college chemistry definitions and explanation to study “What is Optical Resolution?”. Study optical resolution explanation with college chemistry terms to review chemistry course for online degree programs.

Optical Resolution Notes:

In chemistry, any process by which a mixture called a racemate (q.v.) is separated into its two constituent enantiomorphs. (Enantiomorphs are pairs of substances that have dissymmetric arrangements of atoms and structures that are nonsuperposable mirror images of one another.) Two important methods of resolution were used by Louis Pasteur. The first method is spontaneous resolution, can be used if the racemic substance crystallizes as a conglomerate composed of observably different particles of the two enantiomorphs, which can be physically sorted. Although,, this method, is important in terms of history and theorey but not practically. Pasteur's second method, is of practical importance, it is based upon the conversion of the mixture of enantiomorphs into a mixture of diastereoisomers (optical isomers that are not mirror images of one another), which differ in physical properties and therefore can be seperated, For example,, when racemic acid is mixed with a naturally occurring base, such as cinchonine, the resulting salt is a mixture of diastereoisomers and no longer one of enantiomorphs. The two salts present in the mixture, therefore, have different solubilities and so are separable.

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