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. 1971 Dec 3;174(4013):1018-20.
doi: 10.1126/science.174.4013.1018.

Probability distribution of enantiomorphous forms in spontaneous generation of optically active substances

R E Pincock, R R Perkins, A S Ma, K R Wilson

Probability distribution of enantiomorphous forms in spontaneous generation of optically active substances

R E Pincock et al. Science. .

Abstract

The crystallization of 1, l'-binaphthyl from its racemic melt is an example of spontaneous generation of optical activity. The distribution of specific rotations in 200 individual samples varied from [alpha](D) = -218 degrees to [alpha](D) = +206 degrees with a mean of +0.14 degree and standard deviation of 86.4 degrees. This resolution into enantiomers is determined by chance development, with equal probability, of right- or left-handed crystallites; it can be controlled and made stereospecific by addition of dissymmetric compounds at low concentrations.

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