Multi-Modal Chiral Superstructures in Self-Assembled Anthracene-Terminal Amino Acids with Predictable and Adjustable Chiroptical Activities and Color Evolution

Deep understanding of structure-property relationship between packing of chiral building units and their chiroptical behaviors would significantly facilitate the rational design and fabrication of the emerging chiroptical materials such as circularly polarized luminescence (CPL) emissive materials. In this paper, we unveil the universal existence of supramolecular tilt helical superstructures in self-assembled pi-conjugated amino acid derivatives. A series of coded amino acid methyl esters were conjugated to anthracene segments at N-terminus, which afforded 2(1) and 3(1) symmetry supramolecular tilt chirality in solid-states. Helical assemblies enabled diversified Cotton effects and CPL performances, which were in accordance with the tilted chirality between anthracene segments. Such correlation shows fine universality, whereby the chiroptical prediction could be realized. Furthermore, on top of charge-transfer complexation, manipulation of CPL emission colors and handedness were realized.

Automated summary

The study uncovers the universal existence of supramolecular tilt helical superstructures in self-assembled pi-conjugated amino acid derivatives, providing insights into the chiroptical phenomena and facilitating the rational design and fabrication of emerging chiroptical materials.