Chiral induction, transfer and modulation in C3-symmetric columnar liquid crystalline assemblies

Abstract

Circularly polarized light (CPL), regarded as a true chiral entity, has been suggested as one possible origin of homochirality in nature. It still remains difficult to understand the exact mechanism of chiral induction, transfer and amplification in supramolecular assemblies. Herein, we designed and synthesized three discotic diacetylene LC monomers, in which the peripheral diacetylene flexible chains linked to the triazole derivative cores through H-bonding or covalent bonds. We established links between the primary chemical structures of discotic diacetylene monomers, liquid crystal phase structures and optically active properties in the final supramolecular assemblies. Moreover, the type of junction bonding interaction exhibited a significant influence on the chiral transfer in a supramolecular columnar LC system.