Origin of Single-Molecule Reaction Chirality

The origin of molecular chirality remains an enigma in chemistry, particularly regarding how single-molecule events overcome intrinsic stochasticity to establish population-level chirality. Here, we present a viable strategy for real-time, from-the-beginning single-molecule trajectory monitoring of asymmetric evolution from a single initial molecule with single-event resolution, allowing direct observation of spontaneous mirror symmetry breaking in a single-molecule Diels-Alder reaction system. We monitor the asymmetric evolution in real time using the chirality-induced spin selectivity effect. This approach enables the capture of initial symmetry breaking at the single-molecule level and the identification of the excess-compensation mechanism. In addition, the introduction of an external electric field to the symmetry-breaking species enables universal asymmetric synthesis without the need for a catalyst. The increase in the number of molecules leads to symmetry breaking, which is also contingent on the coupling with the external environment. This work deepens our understanding of the molecular principles underlying the origin of life and has many implications for precise chiral synthesis and drug design.