To understand this, let us assume to have synthesized the compound
in question via stereoselective synthesis starting with an achiral
precursor. Then the enantiomer ratio is
[R]/[S] =
exp( G / RT) =
exp(( G S - G R )/RT)
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where G S > G R
are the free enthalpies of activation for the formation of
the minor enantiomer S and the major enantiomer
R (the "activation barriers"), R is the
gas constant and T the absolute temperature of the reaction
mixture. The enantiomer ratio is infinite only if the energy
difference in the numerator of the exponent is infinite, or
if T in its numerator is zero. Since G S and G R are both finite
quantities, their difference cannot be infinite, nor can the
temperature be zero.
If the compond sample at issue was obtained by separation of a
racemate or by further enrichment of an already nonracemic sample,
e.g. by chromatography on a "chiral column", then quite
analogous considerations apply to the separation process. The important
energy then is the difference of the free enthalpies of adsorption of
the enantiomers at the chiral column material, both finite quantities,
so that again their difference cannot be infinite.
Analogous considerations are valid not only for enantiopurity but even for chemical
purity of a compound sample. The ratio of substance to impurity always exponentially
depends on the difference of two finite energies, so that it can never be infinite.
From this it follows: A completely pure compound sample does not exist.
And this is not the consequence of some missing accuracy of measurement, but
the consequence of a fundamental principle.
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