Chirality is formally defined as the geometric property of a rigid object (like a molecule or drug) of not being superimposable with its mirror image. Molecules that can be superimposed on their mirror images are achiral (not chiral). The 2 mirror images of a chiral molecule are termed enantiomers. A racemate (often called a racemic mixture) is a mixture of equal amounts of both enantiomers of a chiral drug.
Reference
McConathy, J., & Owens, M. J. (2003). Stereochemistry in drug action. Primary Care Companion to the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, 5(2), 70–73. https://doi.org/10.4088/pcc.v05n0202
Q1: While using the sample source for defining chirality, enantiomers and racemate, which of the following should you adhere to?
- A. Use the definitions as they are
- B. Change the definition based on your understanding
- C. Use double quotes to define each term with correct citation and reference.
- D. None of the above
