Circularly Polarized Luminescent π-Conjugated Chiral Nanorings and Nanobelts

Molecular chirality plays a pivotal role across the disciplines of chemical and physical sciences, as well as holding significant implications in the realms of medicine and technology. Chiral macrocycles have attracted recent interests in synthetic chemistry, material science, and supramolecular chemistry. Due to the cyclic arrangements of stereogenic elements or special orientations confined in the rigid structures, π-conjugated chiral macrocycles are expected to be highly luminescent, and configurationally stable, and thus serve to develop high-performance chiroptical materials. Given the rapid progress achieved in this new area in recent years, it is significant to highlight new concepts and breakthroughs. This minireview will offer the overview of a wide range of π-conjugated chiral macrocycles from traditional molecules which include the axially, helically, and planar chiral skeletons to the new chiral nanobelts with a focus on the structure-function relationship between chiral molecules and the unique chiroptical properties.