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.

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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
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article

Synergistic 3D π–π networks enforce persistent foldamer configuration with tunable full-color circularly polarized luminescence

Chunman Jia, Ziyan Wu, qiangsheng zhang, Jianwei Li et al.
Communications Chemistry
Synthesis and Properties of Aromatic Compounds
article

Synergistic 3D π–π networks enforce persistent foldamer configuration with tunable full-color circularly polarized luminescence

Chunman Jia, Ziyan Wu, qiangsheng zhang, Jianwei Li, Hao Hu, Jialin Xie, Weijie Chi, Hongtao Liu, Zhenchang Wen
article en

Abstract

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.

Communications ChemistryVol. 9(1)
Macau University of Science and Technology (MO), University of Turku (FI), Hainan University (CN)
National Natural Science Foundation of China
Openalex Percentile: Top 33%
Synthesis and Properties of Aromatic Compounds
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