On the mechanism of Quartz-catalysis

For the mechanism of asymmetric catalysis on metal-quartz catalysts there is no unifying point of view. There are the concepts of contact activation , specific adsorption , and formation of specific chemical bonds It has been proposed that on the surface of the catalyst intermediate surface diastereomers are formed which are decomposed at different rates. The data on the action of quartz-catalysts have been rather thoroughly discussed in addition positive estimations of data were given by Bonner and Harada 

The mechanism of conversion of an achiral molecule into a chiral one was found by Kuhn in circular dichroism spectra. The type of natural quartz used, amethyst crystals, contained colloidal inclusions of Fe. The circular dichroism spectra revealed bonds involving Fe. It would be of importance from that point of view if the films of metals removed from surfaces of quartz crystal would show circular dichroism spectra, too. 

---