Experimentally realizable insight into the dynamics of chiral molecules

The process of racemization of chiral molecules has been, both historically and currently, an important subject connected to the origin of life. The present racemization theories, which are supported by numerous experiments, are thermodynamical with an associated activation energy barrier Ea. There are few experiments in gas phase racemization, though similar phenomena have been experienced. In contrast, the statement that the parity conserving stationary states of isolated molecules are achiral seems to be practically irrelevant for the interpretation of racemization processes. Combining these two different scientific hierarchies under a single theoretical frame had been attempted before and two distinct physical pictures emerged. This Letter reexamines these two approaches in terms of possible future experiments. The passage from quantum to classical mechanics is discussed and exemplified in connection with the chiral phenomenon.