Illustrated Glossary of Organic Chemistry - Resolution

Illustrated Glossary of Organic Chemistry

Resolution: The process of separating enantiomers. The separation may be achieved by physical or chemical means.

	Resolution
Racemic 2-butanol Two enantiomers in one flask

	+
(R)-2-butanol		(S)-2-butanol

Enantiomers in separate flasks

Related terms: Stereoisomer, diastereomers, meso compound, chiral, achiral, optical activity, optically active, optically inactive, specific rotation, [α], ee, enantiomeric excess, tartaric acid, racemic acid
Wikipedia entry
Return to glossary index