Emergence of single-molecular chirality from achiral reactants

René R. E. Steendam, Jorge M. M. Verkade, Tim J. B. van Benthem, Hugo Meekes, Willem J. P. van Enckevort, Jan Raap, Floris P. J. T. Rutjes () and Elias Vlieg ()
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René R. E. Steendam: Institute for Molecules and Materials, Radboud University Nijmegen, Heyendaalseweg 135
Jorge M. M. Verkade: Institute for Molecules and Materials, Radboud University Nijmegen, Heyendaalseweg 135
Tim J. B. van Benthem: Institute for Molecules and Materials, Radboud University Nijmegen, Heyendaalseweg 135
Hugo Meekes: Institute for Molecules and Materials, Radboud University Nijmegen, Heyendaalseweg 135
Willem J. P. van Enckevort: Institute for Molecules and Materials, Radboud University Nijmegen, Heyendaalseweg 135
Jan Raap: Leiden Institute of Chemistry, Leiden University, Einsteinweg 55
Floris P. J. T. Rutjes: Institute for Molecules and Materials, Radboud University Nijmegen, Heyendaalseweg 135
Elias Vlieg: Institute for Molecules and Materials, Radboud University Nijmegen, Heyendaalseweg 135

Nature Communications, 2014, vol. 5, issue 1, 1-5

Abstract: Abstract The synthesis of enantiopure molecules from achiral precursors without the need for pre-existing chirality is a major challenge associated with the origin of life. We here show that an enantiopure product can be obtained from achiral starting materials in a single organic reaction. An essential characteristic of this reaction is that the chiral product precipitates from the solution, introducing a crystal–solution interface which functions as an asymmetric autocatalytic system that provides sufficient chiral amplification to reach an enantiopure end state. This approach not only provides more insight into the origin of life but also offers a pathway to acquire enantiopure compounds for industrial applications.

Date: 2014
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DOI: 10.1038/ncomms6543

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