Data-Based Stochastic Approach to Absolute Asymmetric Synthesis by Autocatalysis

Statistical distribution of enantiomeric excesses obtained by two sets of parallel experiments of absolute asymmetric synthesis by asymmetric autocatalysis was analyzed. It has been found that experimental data give an excellent fit to a bimodal β distribution formula, where the components are in a golden section ratio. The parameters of this higher order β distribution were found by computer-simulated Pólya urn model experiments. The urn model experiments indicate that the Soai-autocatalysis might operate by three concerted cooperating catalytic cycles. These results may provide also a general model of asymmetric autocatalysis.