Unbalanced racemates: Solid state solutions containing enantiomeric pairs crystallizing in Sohncke space groups with (L:D) ratios other than (1:1) - Illustrated with crystals of a Co(III) coordination compound

Herein we describe materials of composition [Co(NH3)4(X-leucinato)]I2·H2O in which the amino acid ligand is either L or D, and in which (a) while in pure enantiomorphic form (L), crystallizes in a Sohncke space group with Z′ = 2.0; but, whose packing closely resembles that of its racemate. Such substances are labeled a Racemic Mimic; and (b) crystals in which the L:D ratio of the amino acid ligand in the asymmetric unit is (71:29), which interestingly crystallize in the same space group and cell constants as those of the former. Moreover, the packing behavior is essentially the same in both - the difference being that the (1:1) species is fully ordered, while that with L:D (71:29) ratio has a partially disordered propyl chain. The (71:29) species we describe herein as an Unbalanced Racemate.