Resolution

Resolution is a sophisticated technique employed to separate a racemic mixture – a mixture containing equal proportions of two enantiomers. Enantiomers are mirror-image molecules that possess identical chemical and physical properties *except* for their distinct interactions with polarized light and chiral substances. The process relies on exploiting these subtle differences, often using chiral resolving agents. These agents, which themselves are chiral, form diastereomeric salts or complexes with the enantiomers, leading to differences in solubility or crystallization behaviour. By carefully manipulating these differences – typically through selective crystallization – the individual enantiomers can be physically separated, providing access to each form for further analysis or reaction.