Crystallization of Chiral Molecules

Abstract

Chirality plays a pivotal role in contemporary science as it represents a distinctive feature found in molecules and crystals. This chapter constitutes an excursion into solid-state chemistry from historical foundations, following the seminal discoveries by Pasteur and Werner in the 19th century, to conceptual and practical considerations. Discussions are focused on the nature and identification of stereoisomers (enantiomers versus racemates) as well as separation techniques, which can be applied to conglomerate phases and diastereomers. Emphasis is finally put on attrition-enhanced deracemizations in heterogeneous systems leading to new enantioenrichment strategies. In addition, such experiments, whose rationale is still an open question, shed light into the puzzling issue of the origin of homochirality on Earth.