Asymmetric transformation by dynamic crystallization of achiral succinimides

Optically active materials could be generated by simple solidification of achiral materials without an external chiral source. When achiral cis-3,4-diphenylsuccinimides were solidified in the presence of a catalytic amount of DBU by evaporating the solvent with stirring, optically active trans-3,4-diphenylsuccinimides were obtained quantitatively with high enantiomeric excesses.