Self-assembly of achiral building blocks into chiral cyclophanes using non-directional interactions

Chem Sci. 2023 May 24;14(26):7126-7135. doi: 10.1039/d3sc01235b. eCollection 2023 Jul 5.

Abstract

The diastereoselective assembly of achiral constituents through a single spontaneous process into complex covalent architectures bearing multiple stereogenic elements still remains a challenge for synthetic chemists. Here, we show that such an extreme level of control can be achieved by implementing stereo-electronic information on synthetic organic building blocks and templates and that non-directional interactions (i.e., electrostatic and steric interactions) can transfer this information to deliver, after self-assembly, high-molecular weight macrocyclic species carrying up to 16 stereogenic elements. Beyond the field of supramolecular chemistry, this proof of concept should stimulate the on-demand production of highly structured polyfunctional architectures.