Chiral Separations

Booknews

Examines the use of light refraction to distinguish "righthand" and "lefthand" forms of otherwise identical molecules. The two forms, and mixtures of them, can have very different effects on biological functions. The research is most applicable in evaluating the safety of drugs and pesticides. The 16 papers report on the analysis of various compounds by various light sources, and describe established and experimental procedures. Includes an extensive bibliography, good cross-referencing, and abstracts of over a dozen more articles. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)