When is a mixture considered Racemic Mixture?

[csx]

does it have to be 50/50 each enantiomer? What if it was 49/51? 45/55?

also, do SN1 rxns always produce racemic mixtures? if so...why???

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[Teleologist]

Er yes, 50/50 is the definition of racemic.

SN1 doesn't have to produce racemic mixtures. Consider ion-pairing effects, which will skew the distribution in favor of one enantiomer.

 

[justadream]

@csx

Yes, it must be exactly 50/50.

SN1 won't produce racemic mixtures if attacking from one side is "easier". For example, if you have a lot of steric hindrance on one side, then attack from that side will be a minor product.