In recent years, molecular materials exhibiting circularly polarized luminescence (CPL)—light with a specific rotational direction (right- or left-handed)—have attracted considerable attention for applications in 3D displays, data storage, and quantum communication. Among them, molecules capable of switching their chirality in response to environmental changes such as solvent, light, or electric field are regarded as promising next-generation smart materials.
In this study, the collaborative research team led by Ehime University designed and synthesized a propeller-shaped molecule composed of six highly emissive perylene diimide (PDI) chromophores arranged like six blades. The molecule can be obtained in high yield through a one-step reaction from PDI derivatives bearing chiral auxiliaries, and it spontaneously adopts an optically active twisted conformation. Spectroscopic measurements revealed that this molecule exhibits bright CPL with B CPL values of 103–369 M -1 cm -1 .
Furthermore, the team discovered that the propeller chirality of this molecule reverses depending on the solvent. The molecule adopts different helical conformations in chloroform (CHCl 3 ) and dichloromethane (CH 2 Cl 2 ), accompanied by a complete inversion in the CPL sign. Circular dichroism (CD) and CPL measurements, together with theoretical calculations, revealed that this inversion originates from the rotation of internal phenethyl groups, which interact differently with solvent molecules and thereby switch the overall helical direction of the molecule.
These findings demonstrate a novel approach to reversibly controlling molecular chirality and optical responses through subtle changes in solvent environment—distinct from conventional static chiral molecular designs. This study establishes a new design principle for dynamically modulating chirality via external stimuli, paving the way for future applications in optical switching materials, molecular sensors, polarization devices, and quantum photonic components.
Angewandte Chemie International Edition