Acid/base-triggered switching of circularly polarized luminescence and electronic circular dichroism in organic and organometallic helicenes

Enantiopure [6]-Azairidahelicene by Dynamic Kinetic Resolution of a Configurationally Labile [4]-Helicene

A pair of enantiopure [6]-azairidahelicenes incorporating chirality at the metal center and on the helicenic ligand were synthesized by dynamic kinetic resolution (dkr) of a configurationally labile [4]-helicenic ligand (4-(2-pyridyl)-benzo[g]phenanthrene, L1H) using bis-cyclometalated chiral-at-metal only iridium(III) precursors as chiral inductors. The origin of the observed dkr is attributed to the different conformation and stability of diastereomeric reaction intermediates formed during the cyclometalation process. The isolated enantiomers exhibited circularly polarized phosphorescence (CPP), with |gphos| values of 1.8×10-3.

Linker-dependent control of the chiroptical properties of polymethylene-vaulted trans-bis[(β-iminomethyl)naphthoxy]platinum(II) complexes

The effects of polymethylene bridges on the chiroptical properties of trans-bis[(β-iminomethyl)naphthoxy]platinum(II) platforms were examined both experimentally and theoretically using newly designed planar chiral Pt analogues (1) having three-dimensional superstructures. A series of optically pure polymethylene-vaulted Pt complexes (R)- and (S)-1 were synthesized and characterized with regard to the chiroptical behaviour of the trans-bis[(β-iminomethyl)naphthoxy]platinum(II) platforms. These complexes were found to exhibit structure-dependent chiroptical characteristics in solution, such that the absolute values of specific rotation, the circular dichroism dissymmetry factor (gabs) and the circularly polarized luminescence dissymmetry factor (glum) all increased upon shortening the polymethylene bridges. Density functional theory and time dependent density functional theory calculations were used to analyse vaulted and non-vaulted complexes, which demonstrated that the present linker-dependent chiroptical properties resulted from constraint-induced changes in the square planar Pt coordination centres rather than from chiral distortion along the coordination platforms.

Helitwistacenes-Combining Lateral and Longitudinal Helicity Results in Solvent-Induced Inversion of Circularly Polarized Light

Helicity is expressed differently in ortho- and para-fused acenes-helicenes and twistacenes, respectively. While the extent of helicity is constant in helicenes, it can be tuned in twistacenes, and the handedness of flexible twistacenes is often determined by more rigid helicenes. Here, we combine helicenes with rigid twistacenes consisting of a tunable degree of twisting, forming helitwistacenes. While the X-ray structures reveal that the connection does not affect the helicity of each moiety, their electronic circular dichroism (ECD) and circularly polarized luminescence (CPL) spectra are strongly affected by the helicity of the twistacene unit, resulting in solvent-induced sign inversion. ROESY NMR and TD-DFT calculations support this observation, which is explained by differences in the relative orientation of the helicene and twistacene moieties.

Modulation of circularly polarized luminescence by swelling of microgels functionalized with enantiopure [Ru(bpy)3]2+ luminophores

Chemoresponsive microgels functionalized with enantiomeric Δ- or Λ-[Ru(bpy)3]2+ showed tunable chiroptical properties upon swelling and shrinking. The tuning is triggered by a modulation of the local mobility of [Ru(bpy)3]2+ upon addition of fructose, controlling interactions and distances between [Ru(bpy)3]2+ and phenylboronic acid.

Near-Infrared, Organic Chiroptic Switch with High Dissymmetry Factors

Here we unveil a chiral molecular redox switch derived from PDI-based twistacenes─chPDI[2] that has the remarkable attributes of high-intensity and a broadband chiral response. This material exhibits facile, stable, and reversible multistate chiroptical switching behavior over a broad active wavelength range close to 700 nm, encompassing ultraviolet, visible, and near-infrared regions. Upon reduction, chPDI[2] exhibits a substantial increase in the amplitude of its circular dichroic response, with an outstanding |ΔΔε| > 300 M-1 cm-1 and a high dissymmetry factor of 3 × 10-2 at 960 nm. DFT calculations suggest that the long wavelength CD signal for doubly reduced chPDI[2] originates from excitation of the PDI backbone to the π* orbital of the bridging alkene. Importantly, the dimer's molecular contortion facilitates ionic diffusion, enabling chiral switching in solid state films. The high dissymmetry factors and near-infrared response establish chPDI[2] as a unique chiroptic switch.

Synthesis of Closed-Heterohelicenes Interconvertible between Their Monomeric and Dimeric Forms

Oxidative fusion reaction of cyclic heteroaromatic pentads consisting of pyrrole and thiophene gave closed-heterohelicene monomers and dimers depending on the oxidation conditions. Specifically, oxidation with [bis(trifluoroacetoxy)iodo]benzene (PIFA) gave closed-[7]helicene dimers connected at the β-position of one of the pyrrole units with remarkably elongated C-C bonds of about 1.60 Å. Although this bond was intact against thermal and physical activations, homolytic bond dissociation took place in DMSO upon irradiation with UV light to give the corresponding monomers. Thus, interconversion between the closed-helicene monomer and dimer was achieved. The optically pure dimer was photo-dissociated into the monomers associated with a turn-on of circularly polarized luminescence (CPL).

Organocatalytic Dynamic Kinetic Resolution Enabled Asymmetric Synthesis of Phosphorus-Containing Chiral Helicenes

The catalytic asymmetric synthesis of phosphorus-containing helicenes remains a formidable challenge, presumably due to the lack of rational design of substrates, right choice of reactions together with highly effective catalysis systems. Herein, we disclosed an efficient and practical DKR-involving (dynamic kinetic resolution) cascade strategy toward synthesizing a novel family of phosphorus-installing helicenes by peptide-mimic phosphonium salt (PPS) catalysis. The sequential process of PPS-catalyzed phospha-Michael attack and copper salt-facilitated aromatization led to the formation of unprecedented phosphorus-containing oxa[5]helicene scaffolds. A wide variety of substrates bearing an assortment of functional groups were compatible with this protocol, furnishing the expected helical compounds in high yields and excellent stereoselectivities. Additionally, the helical products could be conveniently elaborated to promising phosphine ligands with perfectly retained helical chirality, which turned out to be highly efficient chiral ligands in transition metal-catalyzed reactions. These findings not only expand the current library of phosphorus-containing helicenes but also offer insights to explore other challenging scaffolds with molecular chirality.

Acid/Base-Triggered Photophysical and Chiroptical Switching in a Series of Helicenoid Compounds

A series of molecules that possess two quinolines, benzoquinolines, or phenanthrolines connected in a chiral fashion by a biaryl junction along with their water-soluble derivatives was developed and characterized. The influence of the structure on the basicity of the nitrogen atoms in two heterocycles was examined and the photophysical and chiroptical switching activity of the compounds upon protonation was studied both experimentally and computationally. The results demonstrated that changes in the electronic structure of the protonated vs. neutral species, promoting a bathochromic shift of dominant electronic transitions and alternation of their character from π-to-π* to charge-transfer-type, when additionally accompanied by the high structural flexibility of a system, leading to changes in conformational preferences upon proton binding, produce particularly pronounced modifications of the spectral properties in acidic medium. The latter combined with reversibility of the read-out make some of the molecules in this series very promising multifunctional pH probes.

Single Molecular Persistent Room-Temperature Phosphorescence and Circularly Polarized Luminescence from Binaphthol-Decorated Optically Innocent Cyclotriphosphazenes

Circularly polarized luminescence (CPL) features of BINOL-decorated cyclotriphosphazenes (CPs) are reported for the first time. The luminescence dissymmetry factor (glum ) of these compounds in chloroform solutions and polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) thin films with wt 1 % doping concentrations are found to be 1.0×10-3 , and 2.9×10-3 , respectively. However, no CPL signal is observed for the pristine solids. The enantiomers (CP-(R)/CP-(S)) show ultraviolet photoluminescence (~350-360 nm) in solution and the solid state. These compounds show ~10 times larger absolute photoluminescence quantum yield (PLQY) than the simple BINOLs in the solutions state. In the solid state, CP-(R) shows larger PLQY than binaphthol-(R); in contrast, the S enantiomer shows lower PLQY than binaphthol-(S); this indicates that the isomer-dependent solid-state packing of these compounds plays a crucial role in controlling the PL. Thin films with more than 1 % doping concentration and pristine solids of these compounds do not show persistent room-temperature phosphorescence (pRTP) due to concentration-caused quenching. However, thin films with wt 1 % of these chiral emitters exhibit pRTP characteristics with a ~159-343 ms lifetime under vacuum. Theoretical calculations reveal that the cyclophosphazene acts as an optically innocent dendritic core, and the optical features of these compounds are dictated by the pendent BINOL chromophore.

Enhancing Circularly Polarized Phosphorescence via Integrated Top-Down and Bottom-Up Approach

In the dynamic domain of chiroptical technologies, it is imperative to engineer emitters endowed with circularly polarized luminescence (CPL) properties. This research demonstrates an advancement by employing a combined top-down and bottom-up strategy for the simultaneous amplification of photoluminescence quantum yield (Φ) and the luminescence dissymmetry factor (glum ). Square-planar Pt(II) complexes form helical assemblies, driven by torsional strain induced by bis(nonyl) chains. Integration of chiral anions leads these assemblies to prefer distinct helical sense. This arrangement activates the metal-metal-to-ligand charge transfer (MMLCT) transition that is CPL-active, with Φ and |glum | observing an upswing contingent on the charge number and aryl substituents in chiral anions. Utilizing the soft-lithographic micromolding in capillaries technique, we could fabricate exquisitely-ordered, one-dimensional co-assemblies to achieve the metrics to Φ of 0.32 and |glum | of 0.13. Finally, our spectroscopic research elucidates the underlying mechanism for the dual amplification, making a significant stride in the advancement of CPL-active emitters.

Circular Polarized Light Emission in Chiral Inorganic Nanomaterials

Chiral inorganic nanostructures strongly interact with photons changing their polarization state. The resulting circularly polarized light emission (CPLE) has cross-disciplinary importance for a variety of chemical/biological processes and is essential for development of chiral photonics. However, the polarization effects are often complex and their interpretation is dependent on the several structural parameters of the chiral nanostructure. CPLE in nanostructured media has multiple origins and several optical effects are typically convoluted into a single output. Analyzing CPLE data obtained for nanoclusters, nanoparticles, nanoassemblies, and nanocomposites from metals, chalcogenides, perovskite, and other nanostructures, it is shown here that there are several distinct groups of nanomaterials for which CPLE is dominated either by circularly polarized luminescence (CPL) or circularly polarized scattering (CPS); there are also many nanomaterials for which they are comparable. The following points are also demonstrated: 1) CPL and CPS contributions involve light-matter interactions at different structural levels; 2) contribution from CPS is especially strong for nanostructured microparticles, nanoassemblies, and composites; and 3) engineering of materials with strongly polarized light emission requires synergistic implementation of CPL and CPS effects. These findings are expected to guide development of CPLE materials in a variety of technological fields, including 3D displays, information storage, biosensors, optical spintronics, and biological probes.

Catalytic Enantioselective Synthesis of Helicenes

Helicenes and helicene-like molecules, usually containing multiple ortho-fused aromatic rings, possess unique helical chirality. These compounds have found a wide range of important applications in many research fields, such as asymmetric catalysis, molecular recognition, sensors and responsive switches, circularly polarized luminescence materials and others. However, the catalytic enantioselective synthesis of helicenes was largely underexplored, when compared with the enantioselective synthesis of molecules bearing other stereogenic elements (e.g. central chirality and axial chirality). Since the pioneer work of asymmetric synthesis of helicenes via enantioselective [2+2+2] cycloaddition of triynes by Stará and Starý, last two decades have witnessed the tremendous development in the catalytic enantioselective synthesis of helicenes. In this review, we comprehensively summarized the advances in this field, which include methods enabled by both transition metal catalysis and organocatalysis, and provide our perspective on its future development.

Vortex Flow-controlled Circularly Polarized Luminescence of Achiral Pt(II) Complex Aggregates Assembled at the Air-Water Interface

Circularly polarized luminescence (CPL) has been researched for various applications by control of characteristics such as chirality and magnitude. Supramolecular chirality has been prepared by vortex motion as a mechanical stimulus; however, CPL has yet to be controlled precisely and reproducibly. In this work, the first precise control of CPL under vortex flow conditions at an air-water interface is reported. The supramolecular chirality of aggregates consisting of an achiral trans-bis(salicylaldiminato)Pt(II) complex bearing hexadecyl chains is induced and controlled with vortex flow at the air-water interface, whereas the complex naturally forms an achiral amorphous solid with non-chiroptical properties under non-vortex conditions. The CPL direction and magnitude (g_lum value) of the Pt(II) complex aggregates can be adjusted precisely according to the vortex conditions, including the rotatory direction and flow rate. Vortex-flow-induced emission enhancement is also observed upon an increase in the rate of the vortex flow.

A Flexible Circularly Polarized Luminescence Switching Device Based on Proton-Coupled Electron Transfer

Flexible circularly polarized luminescence (CPL) switching devices have been long-awaited due to their promising potential application in wearable optoelectronic devices. However, on account of the few materials and complicated design of manufacturing systems, how to fabricate a flexible electric-field-driven CPL-switching device is still a serious challenge. Herein, a flexible device with multiple optical switching properties (CPL, circular dichroism (CD), fluorescence, color) is designed and prepared efficiently based on proton-coupled electron transfer (PCET) mechanism by optimizing the chiral structure of switching molecule. More importantly, this device can maintain the switching performance even after 300 bending-unbending cycles. It has a remarkable comprehensive performance containing bistable property, low open voltage, and good cycling stability. Then, prototype devices with designed patterns have been fabricated, which opens a new application pattern of CPL-switching materials.

Copper-catalyzed C2 alkenylation of pyridine-N-oxides with alkynes

A general and expedient method to construct the scaffolds of 2-alkenylpyridines, through copper-catalyzed C2 alkenylation of pyridine-N-oxides with alkynes, has been disclosed. This protocol shows operational simplicity, good functional group compatibility and broad substrate scope.

Optical Activity of Spin-Forbidden Electronic Transitions in Metal Complexes from Time-Dependent Density Functional Theory with Spin-Orbit Coupling

The calculation of magnetic transition dipole moments and rotatory strengths was implemented at the zeroth‐order regular approximation (ZORA) two‐component relativistic time‐dependent density functional theory (TDDFT) level. The circular dichroism of the spin‐forbidden ligand‐field transitions of tris(ethylenediamine)cobalt(III) computed in this way agrees very well with available measurements. Phosphorescence dissymmetry factors glum and the corresponding lifetimes are evaluated for three N‐heterocyclic‐carbene‐based iridium complexes, two of which contain helicene moieties, and for two platinahelicenes. The agreement with experimental data is satisfactory. The calculations reproduce the signs and order of magnitude of glum , and the large variations of phosphorescence lifetimes among the systems. The electron spin contribution to the magnetic transition dipole moment is shown to be important in all of the computations.

Synthesis of Aza[n]helicenes (n = 4-7) via Photocyclodehydrochlorination of 1-Chloro-N-aryl-2-naphthamides

A series of aza[n]helicenes (n = 4-7) was synthesized using a photocyclodehydrochlorination of 1-chloro-N-aryl-2-naphthamides as a general synthetic procedure introducing the nitrogen atom to the third ring of the helicene framework. The effect of the nitrogen presence in the helicene skeleton on the physicochemical properties of the prepared aza[n]helicenes was studied and compared to those of the parent carbo-analogues. The insertion of a nitrogen atom into the outer edge of the helicene molecule has a severe impact on certain physicochemical properties such as optical rotation, electrostatic potentials, and intermolecular interactions. On the other hand, some other properties such as UV/vis, fluorescence, and phosphorescence spectra remained almost unaffected when compared to the parent carbohelicenes. A nitrogen atom can be also used for further derivatization, which can lead to further modification of helicene properties, as manifested here in the fluorescence changes induced by protonation.

Synthesis of Functionalized Six-Membered-Ring Azahelicenes

Functionalization, namely the introduction of side groups onto the molecular scaffold of a helicene, may have either the purpose of modifying the electronic properties of the parent helicene, e.g., by adding electron-withdrawing or electron-donating groups, or the scope of providing the helicene with a “handle”, which can be reacted to bind the molecule to another molecule or to a solid structure, such as a carbon or metal surface, or again to allow for complexation of the helicene with metal ions. The possible approaches are two-fold: the synthesis of the helicene can be performed using starting materials that already contain a side group, or the side group can be introduced after the synthesis of the parent helicene. As azahelicenes are helicenes bearing one or more nitrogen atom(s) in the molecular framework, parent azahelicenes can be functionalized on carbon atoms by exploiting the presence of the electron-withdrawing nitrogen atom. Moreover, they can be transformed into quaternary salts, whose properties are quite different from those of the parent azahelicenes in terms of the solubility and electronic properties. This review aims to provide a survey of the different synthetic methods available to attain this fascinating class of compounds.

Enhancement of Chiroptical Responses of trans-Bis[(β-iminomethyl)naphthoxy]platinum(II) Complexes with Distorted Square Planar Coordination Geometry

The relationship between the coordination geometry and photophysical properties of trans‐bis[(β‐iminomethyl)naphthoxy]platinum(II) was investigated both experimentally and theoretically. A series of platinum(II) complexes with differently substituted iminomethyl groups were synthesized, and their photophysical properties were examined in solution, in the crystalline, and in the PMMA film‐dispersed state, respectively (PMMA=poly(methyl methacrylate)). These complexes showed structure‐dependent emission spectra, in which the color of the luminescence in the crystalline state varied over a range of about 40 nm depending on the specific bowl‐shaped molecular structure. The chiral complexes with (R,R)‐ and (S,S)‐configurations were found to have structure‐dependent chiroptical properties both in solution and the PMMA film‐dispersed state such that the intensity of circular dichroism (CD) and circularly polarized luminescence (CPL) were enhanced with bulky cyclic substituents at the nitrogen atoms. A theoretical study using density functional theory (DFT) and time‐dependent (TD)‐DFT calculations revealed that the enhancement of chiroptical responses is due to the amplification of the magnetic dipole moment caused by the distortion of the square planar geometry.

External environment sensitive circularly polarized luminescence properties of a chiral boron difluoride complex

Circularly polarized luminescence properties of chiral boron difluoride complexes bearing a diethylamino group successfully controlled by external environment.

Three-level hierarchical self-assembly of azobenzene conjugated phenylalanines into superhelical nanostructures with light-switchable helicity

Photosensitive azobenzene conjugated phenylalanines can self-assemble into a series of hierarchical superhelices, which can reversibly transform into achiral nanorods via light stimuli.

Insights into Proton Dynamics in a Photofunctional Salt-Cocrystal Continuum: Single-Crystal X-ray, Neutron Diffraction, and Hirshfeld Atom Refinement

X-ray diffraction, neutron diffraction, and theoretical calculations were used to investigate the relationship between the optical properties and degree of protonation in acid-base complexes. We prepared five acid-base complexes by using a pyridine-modified pyrrolopyrrole derivative and salicylic acid. Two of the prepared acid-base complexes were polymorphs of guest-free crystals with green emission; the other three were guest-inclusion crystals with yellow emission containing CH₂ Cl₂ , CH₂ Br₂ , or C₂ H₄ Cl₂ . The presence or absence of guests caused the emission to change color, altering the hydrogen bond strength between the acid-base complexes. Accurate N⋅⋅⋅H distances between the pyridyl moiety and the carboxy group over the temperature range 123 to 273 K were 1.40 Å for the guest-free crystals and 1.25 Å for the guest-inclusion crystals. Our findings contribute to a better understanding of the complex relationship between photofunction and proton dynamics in acid-base complexes.

Circularly polarized luminescence of Eu(III) complexes with chiral 1,1'-bi-2-naphtol-derived bisphosphate ligands

The interest for lanthanide circularly polarized luminescence (CPL) has been quickly growing for 10 years. However, very few of these studies have involved correlation between the dissymmetry factor (g_lum ) and the chemical modifications in a series of chiral ligands. Four polymeric compounds of Eu(III) were prepared by using a series of binaphtyl derivatives for which the size of the π system as well as the number of stereogenic elements (i.e., the binaphtyl moiety) are modulated. The resulting {[Eu(hfac)₃ ((S)/(R)-L^x )]}_n (x = 1 and 3) and {[Eu(hfac)₃ ((S,S,S)/(R,R,R)-L^x )]}_n (x = 2 and 4) have been characterized by powder X-ray diffraction by comparison with the X-ray structures on single crystal of the Dy(III) analogs. In solution, the structure of the complexes is deeply modified and becomes monomeric. The nature of the ligand induces change in the shape of the CPL spectra in CH₂ Cl₂ solution. Furthermore, a large |g_lum | = 0.12 of the magnetic-dipole transition for the [Eu(hfac)₃ ((S,S,S)/(R,R,R)-L² )] complex involving the ligand with three stereogenic elements and an extended 𝜋 system has been measured. This report also shows CPL measurements in solid state for the series of {[Eu(hfac)₃ ((S)/(R)-L^x )]}_n (x = 1 and 3) and {[Eu(hfac)₃ ((S,S,S)/(R,R,R)-L^x )]}_n (x = 2 and 4) polymers.

The Underexplored Field of Lanthanide Complexes with Helicene Ligands: Towards Chiral Lanthanide Single Molecule Magnets

The effective combination of chirality and magnetism in a single crystalline material can lead to fascinating cross-effects, such as magneto-chiral dichroism. Among a large variety of chiral ligands utilized in the design and synthesis of chiral magnetic materials, helicenes seem to be the most appealing ones, due to the exceptionally high specific rotation values that reach thousands of deg·cm3·g−1·dm−1, which is two orders of magnitude higher than for compounds with chiral carbon atoms. Despite the sizeable family of transition metal complexes with helicene-type ligands, there are only a few examples of such complexes with lanthanide ions. In this mini-review, we describe the most recent developments in the field of lanthanide-based complexes with helicene-type ligands and summarize insights regarding the further exploration of this family of compounds towards multifunctional chiral lanthanide single molecule magnets (Ln-SMMs).

Biliverdin chiral derivatives as chiroptical switches for pH and metal cation sensing

A series of six optically active derivatives of the bile pigment biliverdin, namely (βS,β'S)-dimethylmesobiliverdin-XIIIα, cyclic esters of linear diols [HO(CH₂)_nOH] where n = 1-6, have been investigated by vibrational circular dichroism (VCD) and density functional theory (DFT) calculations. The results were correlated with the length (n) of the diester belt, the verdin helicity and an M ⇄ P conformational equilibrium - as previously shown by electronic circular dichroism (ECD). Furthermore, ECD spectra have been found to be quite sensitive to solvent nature and pH. TD-DFT calculations of the protonated/deprotonated verdins with n = 1 and 2 diester belts respectively have allowed one, moreover, to explain the spectroscopic data in terms of a change in the M ⇄ P equilibrium. Finally, the set of investigated compounds, together with other chirally functionalized "non-belted" biliverdin analogs, has also been found to be sensitive to the presence of metal ions, with which the verdins chelate. On the basis of ECD and VCD data, we propose that the spectroscopic changes observed are consistent with self-association (dimerization) of the verdin molecules promoted by the metal cations, as bolstered by DFT calculations, and for which a dimerization constant of 73 000 M^-1 is evaluated. We envision the use of current chiroptical spectroscopies in connection with chiral biliverdin derivatives as natural sensors or probes of the micro-environmental conditions, such as pH or the presence of metal ions.

Toward Large Dissymmetry Factor of Circularly Polarized Luminescence in Donor-Acceptor Hybrid Systems

Chiroptical materials with circularly polarized luminescence (CPL) activity have aroused a lot of interest. One essential factor for evaluating the features of CPL-active materials is the dissymmetry factor (g_lum), which represents the circular polarization of emitted light. Essentially, for the practical application of CPL, the most important issue is to greatly improve the g_lum value. Recently, benefiting from the flexible and efficient design in hybrid donor-acceptor systems, more and more examples involving g_lum value amplification have been reported. In this Perspective, we highlight the proposed mechanism for the generation and amplification of CPL in these hybrid systems. We also present the corresponding design principles and potential pitfalls in experimental processes. We hope that this Perspective can shed light on the development of highly efficient CPL-active materials.

Enantioenriched Ruthenium-Tris-Bipyridine Complexes Bearing One Helical Bipyridine Ligand: Access to Fused Multihelicenic Systems and Chiroptical Redox Switches

The synthesis and photophysical and chiroptical properties of novel aza[n]helicenes (6a-d, 10a,b, n = 4-7) substituted with one or two 2-pyridyl groups are described. The preparation was performed via an adapted Mallory reaction using aromatic imines as precursors. The obtained novel class of helical 2,2'-bipyridine ligands was then coordinated to Ru(bipy)₂²⁺ units, thus affording the first diastereomerically and enantiomerically pure [RuL(bipy)₂]²⁺ (11a,c, L = 6a,c) or [Ru₂L'(bipy)₄]⁴⁺ (12, L' = 10b) complexes. The topology and stereochemistry of these novel metal-based helical architectures were studied in detail, notably using X-ray crystallography. Interestingly, the coordination to ruthenium(II) enabled the preparation of fused multihelical systems incorporating aza- and ruthena-helicenes within the same scaffold. The photophysical, chiroptical, and redox properties of these complexes were examined in detail, and efficient redox-triggered chiroptical switching activity was evidenced.

Heterohelicenes through 1,3-Dipolar Cycloaddition of Sydnones with Arynes: Synthesis, Origins of Selectivity, and Application to pH-Triggered Chiroptical Switch with CPL Sign Reversal

Regioselective access to heterohelicenes through the 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition of sydnones with arynes is described. Novel access to sydnones and poly(hetero)aromatic aryne precursors allowed the introduction of chemical diversity over multiple positions of the helical scaffolds. The origins of the unconventional regioselectivity during the cycloaddition steps was systematically investigated using density functional theory (DFT) calculations, unveiling the key features that control this reactivity, namely, face-to-face (π···π) or edge-to-face (C-H···π) interactions, primary orbital interactions and distortion from coplanarity in the transition structures (TSs) of the transformation. From the library of 24 derivatives synthesized, a pyridyl containing derivative displayed reversible, red-shifted, pH-triggered chiroptical switching properties, with CPL-sign reversal. It is found that protonation of the helicene causes a change of the angle between the electric and magnetic dipole moments related to the S₁ → S₀ transition, resulting in this rare case of reversible CPL sign inversion upon application of an external stimulus.

Synthesis, Structure, and Chiroptical Properties of Indolo- and Pyridopyrrolo-Carbazole-Based C2 -Symmetric Azahelicenes

Treatment of 11,12-bis(1,1'-biphenyl-3-yl or 6-phenylpyridin-2-yl)-substituted 11,12-dihydro-indolo[2,3-a]carbazole with an oxidizing system of Pd(II)/Ag(I) induced effective double dehydrogenative cyclization to afford the corresponding π-extended azahelicenes. The optical resolutions were readily achieved by a preparative chiral HPLC. It was found that the pyridopyrrolo-carbazole-based azahelicene that contains four nitrogen atoms exhibits ca. 6 times larger dissymmetry factors both in circularly dichroism (CD) and circularly polarized luminescence (CPL), |g_CD | and |g_CPL | values being 1.1×10^-2 and 4.4×10^-3 , respectively, as compared with the parent indolocarbazole-based azahelicene. Theoretical calculations at the RI-CC2 level were employed to rationalize the observed enhanced chiroptical responses. The (chir)optical properties of the former helicene was further tuned by a protonation leading to remarkable red-shift with a considerable enhancement of the |g_CPL | value.

Diastereoselective self-assembly of a triple-stranded europium helicate with light modulated chiroptical properties

Chiroptical photoswitches are of increasing interest for their potential in advanced information technologies. Herein, an achiral bis-β-diketonate ligand (o-L) with a photoresponsive diarylethene moiety as a linker was designed, which co-assembled with Eu³⁺ ions and R- and S-bis(diphenylphosphoryl)-1,10-binaphthyl (R/S-BINAPO) as chiral ancillaries to form dinuclear triple-stranded helicates, [Eu₂(o-L)₃(R/S-BINAPO)₂]. The helicates in the enantiopure form were confirmed by ¹H, ¹⁹F, ³¹P NMR and DOSY NMR analyses. Furthermore, the mirror-image CD and CPL spectra also demonstrate the existence of stable ground- and excited-state chiralities in solution. When exposed to alternate ultraviolet and visible light, the helicates showed reversible color variations from colorless to purple, followed by the presence of light-triggered quadruple optical and chiroptical outputs, named CD, PL, CPL and g_lum switches. With these light-modulated optical outputs, the possibility for the fabrication of IMPLICATION and INHIBIT logic gates was discussed.

Switchable Circularly Polarized Luminescence in Supramolecular Gels through Photomodulated FRET

While the tremendous deal of efforts has been dedicated to the design and fabrication of materials with circularly polarized luminescence (CPL), the development of the chiroptical switch between different CPL signals is one of the important routes toward its application. Here, we prepared a supramolecular gel from the coassemblies containing a chiral gelator (9-fluoren-methoxycarbonyl-functionalized glutamate derivatives, FLG), a fluorescent molecule [(rhodamine B, RhB) or (2',7'-dichlorofluorescein sodium salt, DCF)], and a photochromic molecule [1,2-bis(2,4-dimethyl-5-phenyl-3-thienyl)-3,3,4,4,5,5-hexafluoro-1-cyclopentene, DAE], thus constructing photomodulated switchable CPL soft materials. It was found that FLG could form supramolecular gel in ethanol and self-assemble into left-handed twisted nanostructures. During the formation of a co-gel with RhB (or DCF) and DAE, the chirality of FLG could be effectively transferred to both the fluorescent and photochromic components, which induced them with chiroptical properties including CPL and circular dichroism (CD). DAE undergoes a reversible transition between the achromatous open state and the dark purple closed state in the co-gel under alternating irradiation with UV and visible light. During such a process, an intermolecular Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) behavior from fluorescent RhB to ring-closed DAE caused the emission quenching of RhB, which led to CPL silence of RhB in the co-gel. Subsequent irradiation with visible light caused the restoration of the emission and CPL activity with the restored open state. These changes could be repeated many times upon alternate UV and visible irradiation. Therefore, a reversible CPL switch was fabricated in supramolecular gels through the photomodulated FRET process.

Influence of Positional Isomerism on the Chiroptical Properties of Functional Aromatic Oligoamide Foldamers

A series of functionalized quinoline-based aromatic oligoamide foldamers were prepared in their two enantiomeric forms, comprising an enantiopure terminal camphanyl chiral inducer, which governed the adjacent (P-/M-) helical-handedness. Hierarchical chirality transfer was further investigated in chromophore-appended variants via a range of electronic and vibrational spectroscopic techniques, including circularly polarized luminescence, vibrational circular dichroism and fluorescence. Intense total and polarized photoluminescence (up to Φ_lum =0.39, g_lum =1.5×10^-3 ) was observed in the visible region from these modular multicomponent architectures and a significant influence of positional isomerism was evidenced. The optimal position of a fluorophore substituent on the quinoline hexamers was determined as being position 2 over position 6, as stronger chiroptical features were systematically observed with the 2-positioned derivatives.

π-Extended Diaza[7]helicenes by Hybridization of Naphthalene Diimides and Hexa-peri-hexabenzocoronenes

The synthesis of an unprecedented, π-extended hexabenzocorene (HBC)-based diaza[7]helicene is presented. The target compound was synthesized by an ortho-fusion of two naphthalene diimide (NDI) units to a HBC-skeleton. A combination of Diels-Alder and Scholl-type oxidation reactions involving a symmetric di-NDI-tolane precursor were crucial for the very selective formation of the helical superstructure via a hexaphenyl-benzene (HPB) derivative. The formation of the diaza[7]helicene moiety in the final Scholl oxidation is favoured, affording the symmetric π-extended helicene as the major product as a pair of enantiomers. The separation of the enantiomers was successfully accomplished by HPLC involving a chiral stationary phase. The absolute configuration of the enantiomers was assigned by comparison of circular dichroism spectra with quantum mechanical calculations.

Rollover Cyclometalation as a Valuable Tool for Regioselective C-H Bond Activation and Functionalization

Rollover cyclometalation constitutes a particular case of cyclometallation reaction. This reaction occurs when a chelated heterocyclic ligand loses its bidentate coordination mode and undergoes an internal rotation, after which a remote C-H bond is regioselectively activated, affording an uncommon cyclometalated complex, called "rollover cyclometalated complex". The key of the process is the internal rotation of the ligand, which occurs before the C-H bond activation and releases from coordination a donor atom. The new "rollover" ligand has peculiar properties, being a ligand with multiple personalities, no more a spectator in the reactivity of the complex. The main reason of this peculiarity is the presence of an uncoordinated donor atom (the one initially involved in the chelation), able to promote a series of reactions not available for classic cyclometalated complexes. The rollover reaction is highly regioselective, because the activated C-H bond is usually in a symmetric position with respect to the donor atom which detaches from the metal stating the rollover process. Due to this novel behavior, a series of potential applications have appeared in the literature, in fields such as catalysis, organic synthesis, and advanced materials.

Silica covering driven intensity enhancement and handedness inversion of the CPL signals of the supramolecular assemblies

Dipeptide-based hybrid materials with enhanced and inversed circularly polarized luminescence signals were fabricated through a dynamic supramolecular templating approach.

Experimental and theoretical studies on circularly polarized phosphorescence of a [2.2]paracyclophane-based platinum(ii) complex

An optically active binuclear platinum(ii) complex based on planar chiral [2.2]paracyclophane was synthesized. The corresponding enantiomers exhibited red circularly polarized phosphorescence (CPP) with the dissymmetry factor |g_lum| = 1.0 × 10^-3. We report, for the first time, theoretical estimation of the CPP |g_lum| value using relativistic calculations.

Synthesis and properties of chiral fluorescent helicene-BODIPY conjugates

A series of chiral fluorescent helicene-BODIPY conjugates was prepared by the regioselective formylation of aza[4]helicene precursors and then an efficient one-pot two-step BODIPY synthesis (13 examples, 28-82%). Fused conjugates exhibit absorption and fluorescence properties (ΦF 30-45%) in the red visible domain, and a CPL signature could be measured at 605 nm (glum ±5 × 10-4). Photophysical and electronic properties were investigated and rationalized through first principles.

Circularly Polarized Luminescence in Nanoassemblies: Generation, Amplification, and Application

Currently, the development of circularly polarized luminescent (CPL) materials has drawn extensive attention due to the numerous potential applications in optical data storage, displays, backlights in 3D displays, and so on. While the fabrication of CPL-active materials generally requires chiral luminescent molecules, the introduction of the "self-assembly" concept offers a new perspective in obtaining the CPL-active materials. Following this approach, various self-assembled materials, including organic-, inorganic-, and hybrid systems can be endowed with CPL properties. Benefiting from the advantages of self-assembly, not only chiral molecules, but also achiral species, as well as inorganic nanoparticles have potential to be self-assembled into chiral nanoassemblies showing CPL activity. In addition, the dissymmetry factor, an important parameter of CPL materials, can be enhanced through various pathways of self-assembly. Here, the present status and progress of self-assembled nanomaterials with CPL activity are reviewed. An overview of the key factors in regulating chiral emission materials at the supramolecular level will largely boost their application in multidisciplinary fields.

Dinuclear Rhenium Complexes with a Bridging Helicene-bis-bipyridine Ligand: Synthesis, Structure, and Photophysical and Chiroptical Properties

By attaching pyridine groups to a diaza[6]helicene, a helical, bis-ditopic, bis-N N-coordinating ligand can be accessed. Dinuclear rhenium complexes featuring this bridging ligand, of the form [{Re(CO)₃ Cl}₂ (N N-N N)], have been prepared and resolved to give enantiopure complexes. These complexes are phosphorescent in solution at room temperature under one- and two-photon excitation. Their experimental chiroptical properties (optical rotation, electronic circular dichroism and circularly polarized emission) have been measured. They show, for instance, emission dissymmetry factors of c.a. ±3x10^-3 . Quantum-chemical calculations indicate the importance of stereochemistry on the optical activity, pointing towards further design improvements in such types of complexes.

Simultaneous Control of Central and Helical Chiralities: Expedient Helicoselective Synthesis of Dioxa[6]helicenes

An expedient synthesis of a new family of configurationally stable dioxa[6]helicenes was established using a sequential helicoselective organocatalyzed heteroannulation/eliminative aromatization via enantioenriched fused 2-nitro dihydrofurans featuring both central and helical chiralities. Starting from simple achiral precursors, a broad range of these previously unknown chiral heterocyclic scaffolds were obtained with good efficiency, and their aromatization proceeded with very high enantiopurity retention in most cases.

Beyond Chiral Organic (p-Block) Chromophores for Circularly Polarized Luminescence: The Success of d-Block and f-Block Chiral Complexes

Chiral molecules are essential for the development of advanced technological applications in spintronic and photonic. The best systems should produce large circularly polarized luminescence (CPL) as estimated by their dissymmetry factor (g _lum), which can reach the maximum values of -2 ≤ g _lum ≤ 2 when either pure right- or left-handed polarized light is emitted after standard excitation. For matching this requirement, theoretical considerations indicate that optical transitions with large magnetic and weak electric transition dipole moments represent the holy grail of CPL. Because of their detrimental strong and allowed electric dipole transitions, popular chiral emissive organic molecules display generally moderate dissymmetry factors (10^-5 ≤ g _lum ≤ 10^-3). However, recent efforts in this field show that g _lum can be significantly enhanced when the chiral organic activators are part of chiral supramolecular assemblies or of liquid crystalline materials. At the other extreme, chiral Eu^III- and Sm^III-based complexes, which possess intra-shell parity-forbidden electric but allowed magnetic dipole transitions, have yielded the largest dissymmetry factor reported so far with g _lum ~ 1.38. Consequently, 4f-based metal complexes with strong CPL are currently the best candidates for potential technological applications. They however suffer from the need for highly pure samples and from considerable production costs. In this context, chiral earth-abundant and cheap d-block metal complexes benefit from a renewed interest according that their CPL signal can be optimized despite the larger covalency displayed by d-block cations compared with 4f-block analogs. This essay thus aims at providing a minimum overview of the theoretical aspects rationalizing circularly polarized luminescence and their exploitation for the design of chiral emissive metal complexes with strong CPL. Beyond the corroboration that f-f transitions are ideal candidates for generating large dissymmetry factors, a special attention is focused on the recent attempts to use chiral Cr^III-based complexes that reach values of g _lum up to 0.2. This could pave the way for replacing high-cost rare earths with cheap transition metals for CPL applications.