Amplification of chirality at solid surfaces.
Symmetry-breaking phenomena in two-dimensional crystallization at surfaces are reviewed and the potential impact to chiral amplification in three-dimensional systems in connection with the origin of homochirality in the biomolecular world is discussed. Adsorption of prochiral molecules leads to two-dimensional conglomerates, i.e., on a local scale spontaneously to homochiral crystal structures. Small enantiomeric excess or chiral impurities in this environment install homochirality on a global scale, that is, on the entire surface.
Ernst
Karl-Heinz
KH
Molecular Surface Science, Empa-Swiss Materials Testing and Research Laboratories, Dübendorf, Switzerland. karl-heinz.ernst@empa.ch
D000327:Adsorption; D003300:Copper / Q000737:chemistry; D003460:Crystallization; D013237:Stereoisomerism; D013499:Surface Properties
D003300:Copper