ISSN print edition: 0366-6352 ISSN electronic edition: 1336-9075 Registr. No.: MK SR 9/7 Published monthly

In Praise of Chirality

J. Jonas

Department of Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, CZ-611 31 Brno

E-mail: Jonas@chemi.muni.cz

Abstract: The phenomenon of chirality is surveyed from a point of view of a practicing chemist who considers the importance of chirality as being closely connected with diversity, be it diversity of possible structures, structural features or possible interactions. An attempt is made to discuss its impact on chemistry and also to point out some current problems. It is shown how recent developments that make parity violation a cornerstone of chirality can be instrumental in bringing about deeper understanding of e.g. the origin of homochirality on Earth and can put efforts to effect absolute asymmetric synthesis on a more rational basis (by using truly chiral physical influences, e.g, circularly polarized microwave radiation).

Full paper in Portable Document Format: 513a167.pdf

Chemical Papers 51 (3) 167–182 (1997)