Synergistic 3D π–π networks enforce persistent foldamer configuration with tunable full-color circularly polarized luminescence
Achieving molecular chirality with enantiostability in purely π-conjugated foldamers remains a substantial challenge due to inherently weak π-π stacking interactions and facile racemization. Herein, we introduce a novel design strategy employing synergistic intramolecular 3D π-π stacking networks within a 1,8-diarylnaphthalene framework, enabling foldamers to exhibit extraordinary configurational stability. A systematic series of quinoxaline- and phenazine-based foldamers incorporating carbazole (CZ) and diphenylamine (DPA) donors were synthesized, with chiral configurations stabilized through complementary face-to-face and laterally offset π-π stacking interactions. Single-crystal X-ray analyses and computational studies confirmed the formation of complex intramolecular π-networks, providing exceptional racemization barriers (ΔG<sup>‡</sup> up to 26.06 kcal mol<sup>-1</sup>), exceeding conventional atropisomers. Additionally, the modular donor-acceptor design facilitates full-color circularly polarized luminescence (469-684 nm), maintaining high dissymmetry factors (|g<sub>lum</sub> | > 10<sup>-3</sup>) across solution and solid-state environments. This work establishes a generalizable principle for constructing chiral foldamers with enantiostability and tunable optical properties through tailored 3D aromatic interactions, offering significant advances in chiral optoelectronics and responsive materials.
Authors
- Chunman Jia
- Ziyan Wu
- qiangsheng zhang
- Jianwei Li (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5738-9083)
- Hao Hu (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0003-7386-8054)
- Jialin Xie
- Weijie Chi
- Hongtao Liu
- Zhenchang Wen
Institutions
- Macau University of Science and Technology (MO)
- University of Turku (FI)
- Hainan University (CN)
Publication Details
- Journal
- Communications Chemistry
- Published
- 2025-12-26
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.1038/s42004-025-01855-x
- Primary Topic
- Synthesis and Properties of Aromatic Compounds
- Type
- article
- Field-Weighted Citation Impact
- 0.00
Funders
- National Natural Science Foundation of China