Visualization of enantiorecognition by excited-state conformation modulation

Zizhao Huang, Ying Hu, Jie Sun, Zhenyi He, Tao Jiang, He Tian and Xiang Ma ()
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Zizhao Huang: East China University of Science and Technology
Ying Hu: East China University of Science and Technology
Jie Sun: East China University of Science and Technology
Zhenyi He: East China University of Science and Technology
Tao Jiang: East China University of Science and Technology
He Tian: East China University of Science and Technology
Xiang Ma: East China University of Science and Technology

Nature Communications, 2025, vol. 16, issue 1, 1-8

Abstract: Abstract Chiral purity is crucial in life sciences, emphasizing the importance of precise enantiomeric identification and the development of analytical techniques. Here, we design functional dyes with visual chiral recognition capabilities by introducing recognition units 2-amino-1,2-diphenylethanol into vibration-induced emission molecules. The unambiguous differentiation in luminescent colors upon binding to enantiomers facilitates the efficient recognition of enantiomers and the analysis of enantiomeric excess. The chiral recognition process originates from co-assembly under charge-aided hydrogen bonding interactions, which is significantly impacted by the steric hindrance effect, and further affects the planarization of the excited state conformation of the dye. This co-assembly process precisely amplifies the dynamics at the molecular level into macroscopic observable signals for real-time, highly sensitive recognition. Furthermore, we establish a sophisticated optical analysis system by correlating Red-Green-Blue values and CIE coordinates to analyze the enantiomeric excess of chiral molecules. This work opens a distinct avenue for visual chiral recognition and inspires the development of advanced optical materials in chiral sensing chemistry.

Date: 2025
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DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-63065-2

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