Chiroptical Sensing by Nonchiral AIE <i>N</i>-Hydroxysuccinimide Ester

Rapid and sensitive chiroptical sensing of chiral substrates is of great importance. Here, we have developed a nonchiral aggregation-induced emission (AIE) N-hydroxysuccinimide ester capable of rapid sensing of chiral substrates. The AIE-active ester, derived from octyloxy-functionalized α-cyanostilbene, reacts with amines and amino alcohols to form supramolecular helical structures through π–π stacking in the aggregated state. This mechanism enhances chiral sensing and provides a simple and promising strategy for the detection of chiral molecules, particularly those lacking UV activity.