Deracemization of amino acids by partial sublimation and via homochiral self-organization

Orig Life Evol Biosph. 2013 Apr;43(2):129-35. doi: 10.1007/s11084-013-9333-6. Epub 2013 May 21.

Abstract

Deracemization of a 50/50 mixture of enantiomers of aliphatic amino acids (Ala, Leu, Pro, Val) can be achieved by a simple sublimation of a pre-solubilized solid mixture of the racemates with a huge amount of a less-volatile optically active amino acid (Asn, Asp, Glu, Ser, Thr). The choice of chirality correlates with the handedness of the enantiopure amino acids--Asn, Asp, Glu, Ser, and Thr. The deracemization, enantioenrichment and enantiodepletion observed in these experiments clearly demonstrate the preferential homochiral interactions and a tendency of natural amino acids to homochiral self-organization. These data may contribute toward an ultimate understanding of the pathways by which prebiological homochirality might have emerged.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Alanine / chemistry
  • Amino Acids / chemistry*
  • Leucine / chemistry
  • Proline / chemistry
  • Stereoisomerism*
  • Valine / chemistry

Substances

  • Amino Acids
  • Proline
  • Leucine
  • Valine
  • Alanine