Which of the following compounds is an example of a racemic mixture?

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Question: Which of the following compounds is an example of a racemic mixture?

Options:

Correct Answer: Lactic acid

Solution:

Lactic acid can exist as two enantiomers, and a racemic mixture contains equal amounts of both.

Which of the following compounds is an example of a racemic mixture?

Which of the following compounds is an example of a racemic mixture?

Step 1: Understand what a racemic mixture is. A racemic mixture contains equal amounts of two enantiomers, which are molecules that are mirror images of each other.
Step 2: Identify the compound in question. In this case, we are looking at lactic acid.
Step 3: Recognize that lactic acid can exist in two forms (enantiomers), which are often labeled as 'D-lactic acid' and 'L-lactic acid'.
Step 4: Determine if the compound is a racemic mixture. Since a racemic mixture has equal amounts of both enantiomers, if lactic acid is present in equal parts of D and L forms, it is a racemic mixture.
Step 5: Conclude that lactic acid can indeed form a racemic mixture when both enantiomers are present in equal amounts.

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