Color indicators of molecular chirality based on doped liquid crystals

Abstract

A simple color test for enantiomeric excess requires no chiral auxiliaries and only microgram quantities of chiral products. The method is based on a chirality-dependent color generation in doped LC films on formation of an imine or ester (see picture) from an amine and carbaldehyde or alcohol and acid chloride, respectively, and will enable the rapid screening of libraries of nonracemic compounds.