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Heidelberg researchers succeed for the first time in imaging
the absolute configuration of a chiral compound
In a complex experiment, Heidelberg researchers have
succeeded for the first time in determining the absolute configuration of a
chiral compound by means of direct imaging. They were able to conclude
unequivocally whether they were looking at images or mirror images of the
investigated molecules – something that is not possible with current methods
without any risk of errors. The interdisciplinary project involved scientists
of Heidelberg University’s Institute of Organic Chemistry and the Max Planck
Institute for Nuclear Physics in Heidelberg, with the cooperation of experts of
the Weizmann Institute of Science in Rehovot (Israel). The research findings
will be published in “Science”.