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Updated: Jul 16, 2025
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Coulomb Explosion Imaging as a Tool to Distinguish Between Stereoisomers
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Precise Detection, Control and Synthesis of Chiral Compounds at Single-Molecule Resolution
Chen Yang1, Weilin Hu1, Xuefeng Guo2,3
1Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, National Biomedical Imaging Center, College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Peking University, 292 Chengfu Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100871, People's Republic of China.
Nano-Micro Letters
|September 12, 2023
Summary
This study introduces a universal strategy for chirality detection and control using external symmetry breaking. Single-molecule junctions enable precise, event-resolved synthesis and detection of chiral molecules.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Chirality
- Asymmetric Synthesis
- Single-Molecule Electronics
Background:
- Chirality is crucial in biological processes, necessitating accurate detection and preparation of homochiral compounds.
- Current methods for chiral recognition and synthesis are often inefficient due to molecular disorder and custom reagent requirements.
Discussion:
- A universal strategy is proposed using external symmetry breaking to align molecular frames with stimuli.
- Explores the interplay between molecular chirality, electron spin, and photon polarization for symmetry breaking.
- Single-molecule junctions are presented as a platform for single-event chirality detection and synthesis.
Key Insights:
- External stimuli-induced molecular alignment offers a universal approach to chirality control.
- Single-molecule junctions provide high-resolution detection and synthesis capabilities.
- CMOS-compatible interfaces facilitate external symmetry breaking for practical applications.
Outlook:
- This approach promises more efficient and accurate methods for chirality detection and asymmetric synthesis.
- Interdisciplinary collaboration is key to advancing applications in chemistry, physics, and engineering.
- Potential for integration into advanced materials and devices for chiral analysis and production.
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