Enantioseparation by crystallization using magnetic substrates

• DOI: 10.1039/c9sc00663j
• Publication Date: 2019-04-10T08:05:13Z
• Authors: Francesco Tassinari; Jakob Steidel; Shahar Paltiel; Claudio Fontanesi; Meir Lahav; Yossi Paltiel; Ron Naaman
• Keywords: Chirality; Chiral resolution

Enantiospecific crystallization of the three amino acids asparagine (Asn), glutamic acid hydrochloride (Glu·HCl) and threonine (Thr), induced by ferromagnetic (FM) substrates, is reported. The FM substrates were prepared evaporating nickel capped with a thin gold layer on standard silicon wafers. Magnets positioned underneath substrate either their North (N) or South (S) poles pointing up. Asymmetric induction, controlled magnetic was demonstrated for pure enantiomers then extended racemic mixtures Asn Glu·HCl. In case solution enantiomers, l enantiomer crystallized preferentially at one pole magnet d other. Consequently, racemates Glu·HCl undergo separation under influence substrate. With Thr, however, despite enantiospecific interactions FM, no emerging crystals could be achieved racemates, although they crystallize as conglomerates, implying differences taking place in step. results reported here are not directly related to field, but rather aligned spins within ferromagnets. findings provide novel method resolving offer new perspective possible role played regarding origin chirality nature.