Elucidation of the structures of asymmetric autocatalyst based on X-ray crystallography

Abstract

Much interest has been paid to the origin of homochirality, such as that of L-amino acids. The proposed origins of chirality have usually induced only low enantiomeric excess. Thus, asymmetric amplification by asymmetric autocatalysis has been invoked. Asymmetric autocatalysis of 5-pyrimidyl alkanol in the enantioselective addition of diisopropylzinc to pyrimidine- 5-carbaldehyde is a unique example of amplification of chirality. Crystallization of possible intermediates, specifically zinc alkoxides of this 5-pyrimidyl alkanol, was investigated to obtain mechanistic insights into this reaction. Single-crystal X-ray crystallography of the formed zinc alkoxide crystals shows the existence of tetramer or higher oligomer structures in this asymmetric autocatalytic system.