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Supramolecular Chiroptical Switches Based on Achiral Molecules
Author(s) -
Qiu Yunfeng,
Chen Penglei,
Guo Peizhi,
Li Yuangang,
Liu Minghua
Publication year - 2008
Publication title -
advanced materials
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 10.707
H-Index - 527
eISSN - 1521-4095
pISSN - 0935-9648
DOI - 10.1002/adma.200801165
Subject(s) - supramolecular chemistry , chirality (physics) , supramolecular chirality , materials science , molecule , nanotechnology , supramolecular assembly , combinatorial chemistry , organic chemistry , chemistry , chiral symmetry breaking , physics , quantum mechanics , nambu–jona lasinio model , quark
Chirality plays an important role in biological and material sciences. By introducing chiral elements into functional materials, new properties are created and an increase in information density can be achieved. Chiral properties of functional materials do not only rely on molecular structure, but also on supramolecular interaction between the building blocks. In contrast to the generally accepted opinion that chiral systems should include chiral molecules, this Research News introduces the role of achiral molecules in realizing chiral properties in films and gel‐like materials. Even a system that is entirely composed of achiral molecules can exhibit interesting chiroptical properties in supramolecular ultrathin films. This article demonstrates how achiral molecules can be assembled into supramolecular chiral films and organogels. It further shows how the incorporated achiral molecules can be used to switch the chiral properties of these supramolecular films and organogels.