Published September 2009 | Version v1
Journal article

Circularly polarized x-rays probe crystal chirality

  • 1. RIKEN, SPring-8 Center, Sayo, Hyogo (Japan)

Description

Enantiomers in many proteins, sugars and pharmaceuticals crystallize into two forms that are mirror images of each other like our right and left hands. X-rays, which are normally useful in determining the structure of materials and biomolecules, are much less sensitive to the 'handedness' of an enantiomer. We have shown that right and left circularly polarised (RCP and LCP) X-rays at the resonant energy can distinguish 'left' from 'right' low-quartz, whose crystal structures are mirror images of each other. (author)

Additional details

Publishing Information

Journal Title
Hoshako
Journal Volume
22
Journal Issue
5
Journal Page Range
p. 241-248
ISSN
0914-9287

Optional Information

Notes
16 refs., 7 figs.