Chiral templating of surfaces: Adsorption of (S)-2-methylbutanoic acid on Pt(111) single-crystal surfaces

The adsorption and thermal chemistry of (S)-(+)-2-methylbutanoic acid [(S)-2MBA] on Pt(111) single-crystal surfaces is characterized by using temperature programmed desorption (TPD) and reflection-adsorption infrared (RAIRS) spectroscopies. Detectable differences in adsorption energetics of (R)- vs (S)-propylene oxide on the (S)-2-methylbutanoate/Pt(111) overlayers were measured but deemed not to be the controlling factor in the enantioselectivity reported in this system.