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Chemical geometrodynamics: physical fields can cause asymmetric synthesis
Origins of Life
|March 1, 1981
Summary
Chiral physical fields can theoretically induce asymmetric synthesis in elementary particles and molecular systems. Experiments involving spinning or magnetic fields show potential for enantiomeric recognition in chemical reactions.
Area of Science:
- Physical Chemistry
- Theoretical Chemistry
- Chemical Physics
Background:
- Chiral physical fields can induce motion in elementary particles and molecular systems.
- Asymmetric synthesis is crucial for producing enantiomerically pure compounds.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present theoretical arguments for chiral physical fields inducing asymmetric synthesis.
- To analyze the relationship between different types of molecular dissymmetry.
- To estimate the magnitude of enantiomeric excess achievable.
Main Methods:
- Application of parity and time reversal operators to chiral dynamical systems.
- Analysis of moments of inertia for dissymmetric rotors.
- Review of experimental data from spinning tube and magnetic field experiments.
Main Results:
- Chiral field-induced motion is not invariant under parity and time reflection.
- Anticipated enantiomeric excess is very small (parts per million or less) for accessible fields.
- Experimental results suggest enantiomeric recognition may amplify small rate differences.
Conclusions:
- Theoretical framework supports chiral fields driving asymmetric synthesis.
- Experimental evidence, though yielding small excesses, points to potential mechanisms for enantiomeric amplification.