Stereochemistry at the Single‐Molecule Level: From Monitoring to Regulation

Abstract Traditional stereochemistry analysis is crucial for understanding the molecular behavior, but relies on measurements that encompass multiple molecules and obscure individual molecular dynamics. Single‐molecule techniques enable real‐time tracking of stereochemical transformations. These techniques include electrical methods (such as scanning probe microscopy, single‐molecule junction techniques, and nanopore technology) and non‐electrical approaches (such as circular dichroism spectroscopy and surface‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy). This review highlights recent advances in monitoring and regulation of stereochemical properties at the single‐molecule level. Techniques that bridge macroscopic observations with molecular‐scale dynamics are emphasized. Key isomerization phenomena (constitutional, configurational, and conformational isomerizations) are explored to demonstrate how light, electric field, and mechanical force regulate molecular states. The use of chiral molecules in optical tweezers, chiral‐modified scanning tunneling microscopies, and graphene‐based single‐molecule junctions to leverage the chirality‐induced spin selectivity effect for enantiomer discrimination and manipulation is highlighted. Despite progress in this field, challenges persist in resolving ultrafast isomerization pathways, understanding chiral origin mechanisms, and integrating single‐molecule devices. Emerging strategies combining multimodal stimuli, machine learning, and nanofabrication are promising for advancing stereochemical research and applications in molecular electronics and nanotechnology. This work underscores the transformative potential of single‐molecule techniques in unveiling fundamental chemical dynamics and designing functional molecular systems.

Authors

Institutions

Publication Details

Journal
Angewandte Chemie
Published
2025-03-24
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1002/ange.202504558
Primary Topic
Analytical Chemistry and Chromatography
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
0.00
Controls
|||
ALL TIME
JAN
FEB
MAR
APR
MAY
JUN
JUL
AUG
SEP
OCT
article

Stereochemistry at the Single‐Molecule Level: From Monitoring to Regulation

Xuefeng Guo, Wenlong Cai, Xinmiao Xie, Zezhou Yang
Angewandte Chemie
Analytical Chemistry and Chromatography
article

Stereochemistry at the Single‐Molecule Level: From Monitoring to Regulation

Xuefeng Guo, Wenlong Cai, Xinmiao Xie, Zezhou Yang
article en

Abstract

Abstract Traditional stereochemistry analysis is crucial for understanding the molecular behavior, but relies on measurements that encompass multiple molecules and obscure individual molecular dynamics. Single‐molecule techniques enable real‐time tracking of stereochemical transformations. These techniques include electrical methods (such as scanning probe microscopy, single‐molecule junction techniques, and nanopore technology) and non‐electrical approaches (such as circular dichroism spectroscopy and surface‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy). This review highlights recent advances in monitoring and regulation of stereochemical properties at the single‐molecule level. Techniques that bridge macroscopic observations with molecular‐scale dynamics are emphasized. Key isomerization phenomena (constitutional, configurational, and conformational isomerizations) are explored to demonstrate how light, electric field, and mechanical force regulate molecular states. The use of chiral molecules in optical tweezers, chiral‐modified scanning tunneling microscopies, and graphene‐based single‐molecule junctions to leverage the chirality‐induced spin selectivity effect for enantiomer discrimination and manipulation is highlighted. Despite progress in this field, challenges persist in resolving ultrafast isomerization pathways, understanding chiral origin mechanisms, and integrating single‐molecule devices. Emerging strategies combining multimodal stimuli, machine learning, and nanofabrication are promising for advancing stereochemical research and applications in molecular electronics and nanotechnology. This work underscores the transformative potential of single‐molecule techniques in unveiling fundamental chemical dynamics and designing functional molecular systems.

Angewandte ChemieVol. 137(21)
King University (US), Peking University (CN), Nankai University (CN), Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences (CN)
Openalex Percentile: Top 94%
Analytical Chemistry and Chromatography
AI Navigator

Ask Laika to Summarize, Analyze, and Connect papers live on the map.

Summarize Papers & Methodologies

Extract key findings, datasets, and comparative methods across publications.

Benchmark Rankings & Visual Analytics

Rank top research institutions, authors, funders, topics, and journals by Field-Weighted Citation Impact (FWCI) and paper volume with instant charts.

Connect Distant Disciplines

Bridge topological clusters on the map to find hidden collaborative intersections.

Stereochemistry at the Single‐Molecule Level: From Monitoring to Regulation — Xuefeng Guo, Wenlong Cai, et al. · Angewandte Chemie (2025) | TGRS Research Map | TGRS