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Experimental evidence for beta-decay as a source of chirality by enantiomer analysisEarlier experiments testing the Vester-Ulbricht beta-decay hypothesis for the origin of molecular chirality are reviewed, followed by descriptions of experiments involving attempted asymmetric radiolysis of DL-amino acids using quantitative gas chromotography as a probe for optical activity. The radiation sources included Sr-90-Y-90, C-14, and P-32 Bremsstrahlen, longitudinally polarized electrons from a linear accelerator and longitudinally polarized protons from a cyclotron. With the possible exception of the linear accelerator irradiations, these experiments failed to produce g.c.-detectable enantiomeric excesses, even at 50-70 percent gross radiolysis. Thus no unambiguous support for the Vester-Ulbricht hypothesis is found in any of the attempted asymmetric radiolyses performed to date. Radioracemization, a possible reason for these failures, is discussed.
Document ID
19840057680
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
External Source(s)
Authors
Bonner, W. A.
(Stanford University Stanford, CA, United States)
Date Acquired
August 12, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 1984
Publication Information
Publication: Origins of Life
Volume: 14
Issue: 1-4
ISSN: 0302-1688
Subject Category
Life Sciences (General)
Accession Number
84A40467
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: NGL-05-020-582
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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