Early View e202509031
Research Article

Controlling Asymmetry Amplification Through Supramolecular Polymorphism

Camila Montañez-Moyano

Camila Montañez-Moyano

Organisch-Chemisches Institut, Universität Münster, Corrensstraße 36, 48149 Münster, Germany

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Dr. Yuncong Xue

Dr. Yuncong Xue

Organisch-Chemisches Institut, Universität Münster, Corrensstraße 36, 48149 Münster, Germany

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Dr. María Victoria Cappellari

Dr. María Victoria Cappellari

Institut für Anorganische und Analytische Chemie, CiMiC, SoN and CeNTech, Universität Münster, 48149 Münster, Germany

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Alejandro Martínez-Manjarrés

Alejandro Martínez-Manjarrés

Organisch-Chemisches Institut, Universität Münster, Corrensstraße 36, 48149 Münster, Germany

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Lorenz Borsdorf

Lorenz Borsdorf

Organisch-Chemisches Institut, Universität Münster, Corrensstraße 36, 48149 Münster, Germany

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Prof. Dr. Cristian A. Strassert

Prof. Dr. Cristian A. Strassert

Institut für Anorganische und Analytische Chemie, CiMiC, SoN and CeNTech, Universität Münster, 48149 Münster, Germany

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Prof. Dr. Gustavo Fernández

Corresponding Author

Prof. Dr. Gustavo Fernández

Organisch-Chemisches Institut, Universität Münster, Corrensstraße 36, 48149 Münster, Germany

E-mail: [email protected]

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First published: 19 May 2025

Graphical Abstract

Herein, using two proof-of-concept chiral (S)-1 and (R)-1 Pt(II) complexes along with a model achiral compound 2, we demonstrate the ability of supramolecular polymorphism to control and amplify asymmetry. By strategically merging the distinct properties of polymorphs of (S)-1 and 2, we achieved a remarkable synergistic communication between chirality and luminescence in their coassemblies, paving the way for adaptive supramolecular materials with emergent functionalities.

Abstract

Supramolecular polymorphism has recently emerged as a powerful concept, enabling a single chemical entity to form distinct, stable assemblies in solution with diverse morphological, photophysical, and electronic properties. Despite this progress, the interplay between supramolecular polymorphism and chirality remains unexplored. Herein, we harness supramolecular polymorphism to control the amplification of asymmetry in supramolecular polymerization (SP). For this purpose, we designed two Pt(II) complexes bearing π-extended ligands and S- or R-chiral side chains (compounds (S)-1 and (R)-1) that self-assemble into two distinct supramolecular polymorphs in methylcyclohexane: nonemissive short fibers with parallel molecular packing (AggI) and thermodynamically more stable helical fibers with a rotationally offset stacking, closer Pt⋯Pt contacts, and weak 3MMLCT luminescence (AggII). These polymorphs exhibit markedly different amplification of asymmetry in majority rules (MR) and sergeants-and-soldiers (SaS) studies, with the thermodynamic polymorph displaying superior performance. Ultimately, coassembly studies between the achiral model compound 2—which exhibits strong 3MMLCT emission in the assembled state—and the chiral but weakly emissive AggII reveal a synergistic communication between chirality and luminescence, culminating in the emergence of circularly polarized luminescence (CPL). This study broadens the scope of supramolecular polymorphism and expands the design toolbox for adaptive supramolecular materials with emergent and synergistic functionalities.

Conflict of Interests

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Data Availability Statement

The data that support the findings of this study are available in the supplementary material of this article.

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