Differentiating enantiomers by directional rotation of ions in a mass spectrometer. (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38330101/)

These scientists wanted to find a way to tell the difference between two molecules that are mirror images of each other. They used a machine called a mass spectrometer, which helps scientists study different chemicals. Normally, the mass spectrometer cannot tell the difference between these mirror image molecules, but the scientists found a way to change that.

They used a special technique to make the molecules rotate in a specific direction. They did this by using a machine that can control the movement of the molecules. They made the molecules rotate around a point in the middle and move around in a specific pattern. By doing this, they made the molecules have different shapes, which helped the mass spectrometer tell them apart.

They tested this technique on many different molecules, like amino acids, sugars, and even some medicines. They also used it to make a chemical reaction better. The scientists showed that their new method worked well and could help other scientists in the future.

Zhou X., Wang Z., Li S., Rong X., Bu J., Liu Q., Ouyang Z. Differentiating enantiomers by directional rotation of ions in a mass spectrometer. Science. 2024 Feb 9;383(6683):612-618. doi: 10.1126/science.adj8342. Epub 2024 Feb 8.