Optimization of an Irreversible Reaction

Optimization of Separation of Racemates by Choice of Degree of Conversion 5.7.2.1 Optimization of an Irreversible Reaction 

With increasing degree of conversion x the enantiomeric purity of the remaining substrates increases as well. Once the desired enantiomeric purity is reached 

When considering a reversible reaction which runs to equilibrium with an equilibrium constant K (relaxing condition 4 at the end of Section 5.7.1), Eq. (5.102) can be written for the E value. 

Left parameter enantiomeric ratio E at different extents of reaction right parameter equilibrium constant K at different extents of reaction 

Whereas a high value for e.e.s can always be achieved with irreversible reachons (maybe only in case of high degree of conversion), this is not possible in the case of reversible reactions. However, an optimal value for e.e.s can be found which depends on E and K. As expected, the maximum e.e.p value is reached at a zero degree of conversion and does not depend on K at a degree of conversion of zero, the reachon is far from equilibrium. 

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