November 28, 2013

The Search for a Molecular Mirror Image

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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”.