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Coulomb Explosion Imaging as a Tool to Distinguish Between Stereoisomers
Published on: August 18, 2017
Homochirality and the need for energy.
Raphaël Plasson1, Axel Brandenburg
1Nordita, Roslagstullsbacken 23, Stockholm, Sweden. rplasson@nordita.org
Summary
Statistical fluctuations can create stable asymmetric chemical systems. Energy fluxes are crucial for maintaining these systems in a non-equilibrium steady-state, preventing racemization.
Area of Science:
- Chemical kinetics
- Non-equilibrium thermodynamics
- Origin of homochirality
Background:
- Understanding how symmetry is broken in chemical systems is key to explaining the origin of life.
- Previous research focused on non-linear kinetics and self-amplification, often underestimating energetic factors.
- Distinguishing between individual molecular asymmetry and collective racemic states is fundamental.
Purpose of the Study:
- To elucidate the mechanisms by which stable asymmetric chemical systems arise from symmetric precursors.
- To highlight the often-underestimated role of energetic aspects in maintaining chemical asymmetry.
- To differentiate the behavior of strongly interacting versus weakly/non-interacting systems.
Main Methods:
- Focus on non-linear kinetic aspects of chemical systems.
- Analysis of energetic requirements for maintaining asymmetry.
- Theoretical distinction between single objects and collections of objects.
Main Results:
- Self-amplification processes are necessary but insufficient; energetic aspects are critical.
- Strongly interacting systems can maintain individuality and asymmetry.
- Weakly or non-interacting systems tend towards racemization.
- Energy fluxes can sustain asymmetric non-equilibrium steady-states.
Conclusions:
- Asymmetric chemical systems can form from symmetric ones via statistical fluctuations, amplified by non-linear kinetics and energy fluxes.
- Energetic considerations are vital for understanding the stability and persistence of chemical asymmetry.
- Dynamical systems in an asymmetric non-equilibrium steady-state can maintain their asymmetry beyond their intrinsic racemization times.
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