Interfaces and chirality: Molecular dynamics simulations of enantioseparations

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A "chiral" molecule has a twin, and the twin is a mirror image - just like the reflection of a right hand is a left hand. Molecular twins are called enantiomers and in a chemical synthesis, they are often produced together. Many pharmaceuticals have mirror images but drugs such as Lipitor and Plavix are sold as single enantiomers (only one of the twins). Why? For many drugs, activity resides with one enantiomer and the other may have an entirely different effect. This difference is the reason why separating enantiomers is important in drug development, and for the production of agrichemicals, food additives, perfumes, and other products. Experimental techniques have been developed to separate enantiomers and these methods use of a third chiral molecule - a selector - that pairs up with each of the enantiomers. The pairs are different and, ideally, the difference is big enough that a separation can be achieved.