The earliest recognition of what is now referred to as a Racemic Mimic crystal, illustrated with two modern examples – the crystalline behavior of (D,L)- and (L)-selenomethionine and (D,L)- and (L)-cysteine. Racemic Mimics Part 7

Abstract

The concept of crystallization by the pathway labelled “Racemic Mimic” is very recent; in fact, the very name was only coined in a brief introduction to the subject in 2021 (vide infra). Therefore, we decided to remedy the problem of communicating these ideas with those unaware of the subject by illustrating its basics with two simple examples obtained from the literature, i.e., (D,L)- and (L)-selenomethionine and (D,L)- and (L)-cysteine. These structures were very well done, but the original authors were unaware at the time that they constituted examples of these Racemic Mimics. We also give references to more advanced examples for those finding the topic interesting enough to proceed further (vide infra).