Polarimeter for use in asymmetric synthesis of natural products involving Rh(II)-carbenoid chemistry

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Molecules can exhibit the property of handedness; i.e., the molecules and their mirror images are non-superimposable. The molecules and their mirror images are called enantiomers. Enantiomers have identical chemical and physical properties and hence are indistinguishable from each other. However, enantiomers possess a unique chiroptical property; they have the ability to rotate plane-polarized light in equal but opposite directions (optical rotation). Naturally occurring substances exist in one enantiomeric form whereas synthetic molecules are prepared either as racemic mixtures (50:50  mixture of enantiomers) or in (ideally) one enantiomeric form (chiral non-racemic). My research program is concerned with asymmetric synthesis and natural product synthesis. Chiral non-racemic molecules are synthesized. In order to determine which enantiomer is formed in a reaction, we measure the optical rotation of the molecule using an analytical instrument called a polarimeter. Polarimetry is a technique that allows one to distinguish between enantiomers and for establishing the non-racemic nature of a compound.Funds are requested for the purchase of a new automatic polarimeter to replace an antiquated one. Modern polarimeters are now easier and more convenient to use and students (graduates and undergraduates alike) will quickly learn this analytical technique and be trained to apply polarimetric measurements in the analysis of chiral non-racemic molecules. The skills, knowledge and technical expertise  that the students will acquire should  serve them well in their future endeavours in academia or in industry.