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arXiv · 1201.3632

Enantiodiscrimination through Oriented Attachment: Formation of Homochiral Crystal Aggregates from a Racemic System

Cristobal Viedma*·Pedro Cintas
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Abstract

We show that D- and L-enantiomorphous crystals of NaBrO3 in equilibrium with the corresponding solution, self-aggregate leading to large crystal assemblies. Surprisingly, crystal-to-crystal interaction is not a random process and takes place with nearly complete enantioselection (chiral recognition) thereby providing homochiral aggregates. There is in addition a crystallographic directionality and many aggregates grow as a whole. The process can be extended to enantiomorphous NaClO3 crystals under milder conditions as well as crystals of inherently chiral molecules such as a proteinogenic amino acid.

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Cristobal Viedma*, Pedro Cintas. 2013-05-31. Enantiodiscrimination through Oriented Attachment: Formation of Homochiral Crystal Aggregates from a Racemic System. https://arxiv.org/abs/1201.3632

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