Question

Atropine is

• A. racemic mixture
• B. levo form
• C. dextro form
• D. meso compound

Hint:

Natural is Levo-Hyoscyamine; extracted/commercial is Racemic-Atropine.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Concept
Atropine is an alkaloid extracted from plants like Atropa belladonna, used for its anticholinergic properties.

Step 2: Meaning
A racemic mixture is an equal combination of left-handed (levo) and right-handed (dextro) enantiomers.

Step 3: Analysis
Hyoscyamine is the naturally occurring levo-isomer. During the extraction process, it undergoes racemization to form Atropine, which is $(\pm)$-hyoscyamine.

Step 4: Conclusion
Because it contains equal parts of both optical isomers, Atropine is chemically classified as a racemic mixture.

Final Answer: (A)