Peer Reviewed: Chiral Analysis Using Mid-IR Vibrational CD Spectroscopy

AChirality plays a central role in the existence and continuation of life.Vastly different biological and pharmacological effects imparted by the enantiomers of a chiral species attest to the importance of developing a knowledge base at the molecular level, where researchers seek to understand the 3-D molecular structures (absolute configuration and conformation) of chiral species or the reactions that are specific to chiral structures.Manufacturing enantiomeric drugs is a major source of revenue for pharamaceutical companies.Determining the purity of enantiomeric drugs has now become a regulatory requirement (1).The pharmacological and toxicological activities of both enantiomers of a chiral drug must be established before the drug is released for public consumption.This convenient, quantitative approach needs no additional chiral reagents or reactions.