Illustrated Glossary of Organic Chemistry

Racemic (racemate; racemic mixture): A 1:1 (or nearly 1:1) mixture of enantiomers.

     


(R)-Thalidomide
(S)-Thalidomide

During the period 1956 to 1962, racemic thalidomide was marketed as a sedative and antiemetic for 'hysterical' pregnant women. The R enantiomer held the desired sedative and antiemetic effects, whereas the S enantiomer proved to be a teratogen. Thalidomide was eventually withdrawn from sale, but has returned to the market as an anticancer drug which works by targeting angiogenesis.