Non-Conjugated Linear Polysiloxane with Cluster-Triggered Circularly Polarized Luminescence

In this study, we introduce a system that is both nonconjugated and nonaromatic, specifically engineered to generate luminescence via cluster-triggered emission in its aggregated state. By integrating a chiral moiety, <i>N</i>-(<i>tert</i>-butoxycarbonyl)-cysteine methyl ester (cys) as a side group into a linear poly-(methyl vinylsiloxane) (PMVS) backbone, we successfully achieved pronounced circularly polarized luminescence (CPL). The formation of the helical conformation was evaluated by vibrational circular dichroism (VCD) and electronic circular dichroism (ECD) spectroscopy. Furthermore, the 2D NMR analyses indicated that intramolecular hydrogen bonding significantly contributes to the stabilization of this structure, because of the intrinsic flexibility of the PMVS backbone, the resultant material demonstrates mechanically tunable CPL properties, underscoring its potential as a versatile chiroptical platform for material applications.