Summary
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.
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Green, B.S., Lahav, M. Crystallization and solid-state reaction as a route to asymmetric synthesis from achiral starting materials. J Mol Evol 6, 99–115 (1975). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01732291
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01732291