See image — Isomerism and Stereochemistry Chemistry Question

💡 Solution & Explanation

Concept: Stereochemistry terminology regarding racemic mixtures and enantiomers. Reasoning: A racemic mixture is an equimolar mixture of two enantiomers (mirror-image isomers) of a chiral compound. The process of separating such a mixture into its individual pure enantiomeric components has a specific name in organic chemistry. Step 1: Define Resolution. Resolution (or optical resolution) is the process by which a racemic mixture is separated into its two pure enantiomers. This is typically accomplished by converting the enantiomers into diastereomers (which have different physical properties) using a chiral resolving agent, separating them, and then recovering the individual enantiomers. Step 2: Eliminate incorrect options. - (a) Racemization: This is the OPPOSITE process — converting a pure enantiomer or optically active compound into a racemic mixture (50:50 mixture of enantiomers), resulting in loss of optical activity. This does not describe separation. - (b) Isomerization: This refers to the conversion of one isomer into another (structural or stereochemical), not the separation of a mixture into pure components. - (d) Equilibration: This refers to a process reaching chemical equilibrium, not the separation of enantiomers. Step 3: Confirm answer. The term that specifically describes the separation of a racemic mixture into its pure enantiomers is 'Resolution' (optical resolution), which is option (c). Therefore, the correct answer is C.