Homochirality as a consequence of thermodynamic equilibrium?

Chemistry. 2006 Oct 16;12(30):7776-81. doi: 10.1002/chem.200600580.

Abstract

Recent results on the crystallisation/dissolution equilibrium of enantiomorphic crystals of NaClO3 lead to the conclusion that liquid-phase systems composed of achiral or fast racemising compounds yielding enantiomorphic solid phases (racemic conglomerates) can derive spontaneously to a single homochiral solid phase. This is a thermodynamically driven total resolution, which can only occur when the system is so perturbed that chiral recognition between the species of the system becomes feasible.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

  • Chlorates / chemistry*
  • Crystallization
  • Phase Transition*
  • Stereoisomerism
  • Thermodynamics*

Substances

  • Chlorates
  • sodium chlorate