Abstract:
Optically active compounds having a chlorine atom attached to the chiral carbon atom such as 2-bromoaliphatic acids can be racemized without by-product formation by heat ing an acidified solution of the organic acid at a temperature sufficient to accomplish racemization, the solution being sub stantially devoid of ionized halogen other than bromine ions. The preferred acidifying agent is hydrobromic acid. The use of hydrochloric acid causes extensive by-product formation.