Experimental evidence for beta-decay as a source of chirality by enantiomer analysis.
Earlier experiments testing the Vester-Ulbricht beta-decay hypothesis for the origin of molecular chirality are reviewed, followed by descriptions of our own experiments involving attempted asymmetric radiolysis of DL-amino acids using quantitative gas chromotography as a probe for optical activity.  Our radiation sources included 90Sr-90Y, 14C and 32P Bremsstrahlen, longitudinally polarized electrons from a linear accelerator and longitudinally polarized protons from a cyclotron.  With the possible exception of the linear accelerator irradiations, these experiments failed to produce g.c.-detectable enantiomeric excesses, even at 50-70% gross radiolysis.  We thus find no unambiguous support for the Vester-Ulbricht hypothesis in any of the attempted asymmetric radiolyses performed to date.  Radioracemization, a possible reason for these failures, is discussed.
Bonner
W A
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Department of Chemistry, Stanford University, CA 94305, USA.
D000596:Amino Acids / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000528:radiation effects*; D001610:Beta Particles; D017357:Cyclotrons; D004583:Electrons; D019418:Evolution, Chemical; D009904:Optical Rotation; D010315:Particle Accelerators; D011522:Protons; D011854:Radiochemistry; D013237:Stereoisomerism
D000596:Amino Acids; D011522:Protons