A mixture of equal quantities of the (+)- or d- and (−)- or l- forms of an optically active compound. Racemic mixtures are denoted by the prefix (±)- or dl- (e.g. (±)-lactic acid). A racemic mixture shows no optical activity.
Chemistry
A mixture of equal quantities of the d- and l-forms of an optically active compound. Racemic mixtures are denoted by the prefix dl- (e.g. dl-lactic acid). A racemic mixture shows no optical activity.