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A new theory of olfaction based on dispersion-induced optical activity

Nature volume 267, pages 554–555 (1977)Cite this article

Abstract

OPTICAL activity is physically induced in achiral solutes dissolved in chiral solvents and is measurable as dispersion-induced circular dichroism (DICD)1–3. An intermolecular vibrational coupling mechanism of the induction2 has been analysed theoretically4 and is here proposed as the primary physical process in olfaction. This new theory of olfaction extends the well-known qualitative vibrational theory5–7, to encompass both chiral8,9 and achiral odorous substances10,11. A quantitative aspect of the new theory is supported by a strong correlation of the solvent-induced rotatory power of achiral ketones with their effectiveness as alarm pheromones for the ant species Iridomyrmex pruinosus11.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Chemistry, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, V6T 1W5

    L. DOUGLAS HAYWARD

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  1. L. DOUGLAS HAYWARD
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HAYWARD, L. A new theory of olfaction based on dispersion-induced optical activity. Nature 267, 554–555 (1977). https://doi.org/10.1038/267554a0

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