Define racemization and resolution.

Racemization refers to the process by which a chiral substance (a molecule that has non-superimposable mirror images, or enantiomers) converts into a mixture of its enantiomers, resulting in a racemic mixture (a 1:1 mixture of both enantiomers). This process often occurs under certain conditions like heat or chemical reactions. For example, if a pure chiral substance is exposed to a condition that allows its enantiomers to interconvert, the result is a racemic mixture.

Resolution, on the other hand, is the process of separating a racemic mixture into its individual enantiomers. Since enantiomers have identical physical properties but differ in their interaction with other chiral substances, they can be separated using various techniques, such as chiral chromatography, selective crystallization, or through reactions with chiral reagents. The goal of resolution is to obtain a pure enantiomer from a racemic mixture.