Reversible Optical Transcription of Supramolecular Chirality into Molecular Chirality
Jaap J. D. de Jong,1
Linda N. Lucas,2
Richard M. Kellogg,2
Jan H. van Esch,1*
Ben L. Feringa1*
In nature, key molecular processes such as communication, replication,
and enzyme catalysis all rely on a delicate balance between
molecular and supramolecular chirality. Here we report the design,
synthesis, and operation of a reversible, photoresponsive, self-assembling
molecular system in which molecular and supramolecular chirality
communicate. It shows exceptional stereoselectivity upon aggregation
of the molecules during gel formation with the solvent. This
chirality is locked by photochemical switching, a process that
is subsequently used to induce an inverted chiral supramolecular
assembly as revealed by circular dichroism spectroscopy. The
optical switching between different chiral aggregated states
and the interplay of molecular and supramolecular chirality
offer attractive new prospects for the development of molecular
memory systems and smart functional materials.
2 Syncom, Kadijk 3, 9747 AT Groningen, Netherlands.
* To whom correspondence should be addressed. E-mail: esch{at}chem.rug.nl (J.H.E.); feringa{at}chem.rug.nl (B.L.F.)
