Chiral molecules on surfaces

Baddeley, C. J. and Held, G. (2010) Chiral molecules on surfaces. In: Andrews, D. L., Scholes, G. D. and Wiederrecht, G. P. (eds.) Comprehensive nanoscience and technology. Elsevier, London, pp. 105-133. ISBN 9780123743961 doi: 10.1016/B978-0-12-374396-1.00102-1

Abstract/Summary

chiral molecules can modify surfaces in many ways. Long-range chiral structures can be induced by local chirality, which can act as templates stereo-directing other molecules. Such templates are either based on the arrangement of molecules alone or involve reconstruction of the substrate suface. Stereo-direction can also be achieved buy direct local interaction between chiral moleculesx. Even the adsorption of achiral molecules onto achiral surfaces can induce local chirality due to a reduction ofsymmetry in the presence of the surface. Intrinsically chiral metal and oxide surfaces can act as templates for enantioselective adsorption and surface reactions without any surface modification.