racemic acid

noun

, Chemistry.

1. an isomeric modification of tartaric acid that is sometimes found in the juice of grapes in conjunction with the common dextrorotatory form and is optically inactive but can be separated into the two usual isomeric forms, dextrorotatory and levorotatory.

racemic acid

noun

1. the optically inactive form of tartaric acid that is sometimes found in grape juice

racemic acid

1. An optically inactive form of tartaric acid that can be separated into dextrorotatory and levorotatory components and is sometimes found in grape juice. Chemical formula: C 4 H 6 O 6 .

Word History and Origins

Origin of racemic acid¹

First recorded in 1830–40

Example Sentences

Racemic acid is rather less soluble than tartaric, and separates first from a solution containing the two acids.

From Project Gutenberg

A solution of racemic acid precipitates a neutral salt of calcium, which is not the case with tartaric acid.

From Project Gutenberg

Examination of liquors from which racemic acid has been deposited has always shown them to contain much inactive tartaric acid.

From Project Gutenberg

This theory does not exclude the probability that certain vines under particular conditions produce racemic acid.

From Project Gutenberg

As, for instance, strychnine racemate, a compound of racemic acid with the optically active strychnine.

From Project Gutenberg