The role of supernova neutrinos on molecular homochirality.
Electroweak parity violating interaction between supernova (SN) neutrinos and electrons of a simple chiral molecule is studied related to the origin of molecular homochirality. Appearance of supernova remnants inside molecular clouds favours the interaction of SN-neutrinos with interstellar molecules, leading to a energetic difference between the two enantiomers of the order of 10(-5) eV. This energetic difference is closer to the thermic energy of the interstellar medium, so molecular homochirality could be enhanced in molecular clouds containing supernova remnants inside it due to neutrino interaction.
Bargueño
Pedro
P
Instituto de Matemáticas y Física Fundamental, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Serrano 123, 28006-Madrid, Spain. pbdr@imaff.cfmac.csic.es
Pérez de Tudela
Ricardo
R
D004601:Elementary Particles; D019418:Evolution, Chemical; D005118:Extraterrestrial Environment / Q000737:chemistry*; D008956:Models, Chemical; D000069497:Origin of Life; D013237:Stereoisomerism