Synthesis, Crystal Structure, and Enantiomeric Resolution of a Chiral (18,15) Carbon Nanobelt

Chiral carbon nanotubes (CNTs) show significant potential for applications in electronics and optics, yet the selective synthesis of single-chirality CNTs remains a major challenge. Furthermore, enantiopure chiral carbon nanobelts, which constitute conjugated segments of chiral CNTs, have not been reported to date. Here, we present the first synthesis and successful enantiomeric resolution of a chiral (18,15) carbon nanobelt, representing a sidewall segment of the corresponding (18,15) CNT. Single-crystal x-ray diffraction analysis unambiguously confirms its belt-shaped structure and the presence of a pair of enantiomers. Both enantiomers have been successfully isolated, and further studies reveal notable chiroptical properties.