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JEE Main levelSingle correct optionDifficulty 2 of 3st127

Assertion (A): A racemic mixture of two enantiomers cannot be separated into its components by fractional distillation. Reason (R): Enantiomers have identical boiling points.

  1. ABoth A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A
  2. BA is true but R is false
  3. CBoth A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A
  4. DA is false but R is true

Answer: C

Enantiomers have identical physical properties (boiling point, melting point, solubility in achiral solvents), so distillation, which depends on boiling point, cannot separate them. Hence both statements are true and R explains A. Resolution needs a chiral agent that converts them into diastereomers.
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