Magnets on hand for separating chiral crystals

3D Illustration Magnet 'Like' Icons

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Enantiomers crystallise individually at opposite magnetic poles, driven by interactions with electron spin

Scientists have employed magnets to separate enantiomers. Using the interactions between the electron spin in the molecules and the magnet, they initiate crystallisation of a specific enantiomer depending on which pole of the magnet is used.