title: Crystallization and solid-state reaction as a route to asymmetric synthesis from achiral starting materials.
abstract: Many molecules which are achiral can crystallize in chiral (enantiomorphic) crystals and, under suitable conditions, crystals of only one chirality may be obtained. The formation of right- or left-handed crystals in excess is equally probable. Lattice-controlled (topochemical) photochemical or thermal solid-state reactions may then afford stable, optically active products. In the presence of the chiral products, achiral reactants may preferentially produce crystals of one chirality, leading to a feedback mechanism for the generation and amplification of optical activity. Amplification of optical activity can also be achieved by solid-state reactions. The optical synthesis of biologically relevant compounds by such routes may be envisaged.
mesh_terms: D000613:Aminobutyrates / Q000138:chemical synthesis; D001665:Binding Sites; D005075:Biological Evolution; D001965:Bromides / Q000138:chemical synthesis; D002599:Chalcone; D055598:Chemical Phenomena; D002621:Chemistry; D003437:Crotonates / Q000138:chemical synthesis; D003460:Crystallization; D005998:Glycine / Q000138:chemical synthesis; D006626:Hippurates / Q000138:chemical synthesis; D007536:Isomerism; D008968:Molecular Conformation; D009904:Optical Rotation; D010777:Photochemistry; D013386:Succinates / Q000138:chemical synthesis
chemical_list: D000613:Aminobutyrates; D001965:Bromides; D003437:Crotonates; D006626:Hippurates; D013386:Succinates; D002599:Chalcone; D005998:Glycine