Enantiomer-specific detection of chiral molecules via microwave spectroscopy

• Published in: Nature (London) Vol. 497; no. 7450; pp. 475 - 477
• Main Authors: Patterson, David, Schnell, Melanie, Doyle, John M.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: London Nature Publishing Group UK 23.05.2013; Nature Publishing Group
• Subjects: 639/638/11/873; 639/638/440/527; 639/766/930/12; 639/766/930/527; Analytical chemistry; Animal behavior; Chemical reactions; Chemistry; Chirality; Cold; Electric fields; Enantiomers; Exact sciences and technology; Humanities and Social Sciences; letter; Methods; Microwave radiation; Microwave spectroscopy; Microwaves; multidisciplinary; Observations; Radiation (Physics); Science; Spectrometric and optical methods; Spectroscopy; Spectrum analysis; Stereoisomers; United States; Diol; Chiral compound; Experimental study; Cryogenic temperature; Growth from vapor; Microwave spectrometry; Racemic; Analysis method; Chirality; Enantiomeric excess; Qualitative analysis; Measurement method; Propanediol; Organic compounds

Microwave spectroscopy is used to map the sign of an electric dipole Rabi frequency — which depends directly on the chirality of the molecule — onto the phase of emitted microwave radiation, thereby determining the chirality of cold gas-phase molecules. Microwave spectroscopy measures chirality Chir...