Concentration as the switch for chiral recognition in biomembrane models

J Am Chem Soc. 2008 Mar 5;130(9):2732-3. doi: 10.1021/ja710687e. Epub 2008 Feb 8.

Abstract

Chiral recognition was observed in a biomembrane model. Micellar aggregates formed by enantiopure N-alkyl-N,N-dimethyl-N-(1-phenyl)ethylammonium bromide were in fact able to convert the racemic mixture of bilirubin-IXalpha into an enantiomerically enriched mixture. The stereochemical preference and the extent of enantiomeric enrichment depend on the length of the hydrophobic portion of the surfactant and on the concentration conditions, and changes in the stereochemical bias are reversible.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Alkanes / chemistry
  • Bilirubin / chemistry
  • Hydrocarbons, Brominated / chemistry
  • Membranes, Artificial*
  • Micelles
  • Models, Biological*
  • Models, Molecular
  • Molecular Conformation
  • Quaternary Ammonium Compounds / chemistry*
  • Stereoisomerism

Substances

  • Alkanes
  • Hydrocarbons, Brominated
  • Membranes, Artificial
  • Micelles
  • Quaternary Ammonium Compounds
  • Bilirubin