Chiral clusters in the gas phase

Abstract

Publisher Summary This chapter illustrates the state-of-the-art of the generation, characterization, and evolution of ionic and molecular chiral clusters in the gas phase. An introduction to the non-covalent forces operating in stable ionic and molecular aggregates has been presented and a brief description of the experimental methodologies employed in the production, detection, and characterization of clusters has been given. The chapter also presents and discusses the available experimental evidence on the structure of chiral clusters and their intrinsic stability, reactivity, and evolution dynamics. The experimental data has been interpreted in the light of the available theoretical evidence. These gas-phase studies were driven by the continuing interest in chiral species, whether involved in enantioselective reactions, or in the origin of life, or in biochemical cycles. The body of information arising from these huge experimental and theoretical efforts represents the basis for unravelling the details of complicated chemical and biochemical processes occurring in condensed phases.