Supramolecular helices: chirality transfer from conjugated molecules to structures

Abstract

Different scales of chirality endow a material with many excellent properties and potential applications. In this review, using π-conjugated molecules as functional building blocks, recent progress on supramolecular helices inspired by biological helicity is summarized. First, induced chirality on conjugated polymers and small molecules is introduced. Molecular chirality can be amplified to nanostructures, superstructures, and even macroscopic structures by a self-assembly process. Then, the principles for tuning the helicity of supramolecular chirality, as well as formation of helical heterojunctions, are summarized. Finally, the potential applications of chiral structures in chiral sensing and organic electronic devices are critically reviewed. Due to recent progress in chiral structures, an interdisciplinary area called "chiral electronics" is expected to gain wide popularity in the near future.

Keywords: chiral electronics; conducting polymers; induced chirality; self-assembly; supramolecular helices.