Sum-frequency vibrational spectroscopy on chiral liquids: a novel technique to probe molecular chirality

Phys Rev Lett. 2000 Nov 20;85(21):4474-7. doi: 10.1103/PhysRevLett.85.4474.

Abstract

Optical activity in sum-frequency vibrational spectra has been observed for the first time in chiral liquids. The electric-dipole allowed chiral element of the nonlinear susceptibility appears to be 3 orders of magnitude smaller than typical allowed achiral elements. This is partly because the observed chirality requires a breakdown of the Born-Oppenheimer approximation.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Algorithms
  • Cyclohexenes
  • Limonene
  • Molecular Conformation
  • Solvents
  • Spectrum Analysis
  • Stereoisomerism
  • Terpenes / chemistry*

Substances

  • Cyclohexenes
  • Solvents
  • Terpenes
  • Limonene