racemization

American  

[ras-uh-muh-zey-shuhn, rey-see-muh-] / ˌræs ə məˈzeɪ ʃən, reɪˈsi mə- /

noun

Chemistry.

1. the conversion of an optically active substance into an optically inactive mixture of equal amounts of the dextrorotatory and levorotatory forms.

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Etymology

Origin of racemization

First recorded in 1890–95; raceme + -ization

Example Sentences

After living things die, the ratio between the two configurations changes at a predictable rate as part of a process called racemization.

From Washington Post • May 25, 2022