Double layer crystallization of heptahelicene on noble metal surfaces

Resolution of enantiomers of chiral compounds via crystallization is the dominant method in chemical industry, but chiral recognition at the molecular level during this process is still poorly understood. Using single metal surfaces in ultrahigh vacuum as model system, the enantio-related transition from the monolayer structure into a double layer of the racemic mixture of heptahelicene has been studied with scanning tunneling microscopy. Submolecular resolution reveals enantiopure second layers on Ag(111) and almost enantiopure second layers on Au(111). In analogy to previous results on Cu(111), it is concluded that transition from the 2D first layer racemate into a layered racemate occurs.