title: Probability distribution of enantiomorphous forms in spontaneous generation of optically active substances.
abstract: The crystallization of 1, l'-binaphthyl from its racemic melt is an example of spontaneous generation of optical activity. The distribution of specific rotations in 200 individual samples varied from [alpha](D) = -218 degrees to [alpha](D) = +206 degrees with a mean of +0.14 degree and standard deviation of 86.4 degrees. This resolution into enantiomers is determined by chance development, with equal probability, of right- or left-handed crystallites; it can be controlled and made stereospecific by addition of dissymmetric compounds at low concentrations.
authors.forename: R E
authors.initials: RE
authors.lastname: Pincock
authors.forename: R R
authors.initials: RR
authors.lastname: Perkins
authors.forename: A S
authors.initials: AS
authors.lastname: Ma
authors.forename: K R
authors.initials: KR
authors.lastname: Wilson