Finite Enantiomeric Excess Nucleated in an Achiral Banana Mesogen by Chiral Alignment Surfaces

Abstract

Nucleation by chiral polyimide surfaces leads to finite enantioselectivity in the B4 phase of achiral banana mesogen molecules (see optical micrograph). An ee value of 10 % was obtained with rubbed chiral polyimide surfaces. This technique opens up new possible ways of controlling chirality in chemical and biological systems.