Issue 25, 2021

Pathways to increase the dissymmetry in the interaction of chiral light and chiral molecules

Abstract

The dissymmetric interaction between circularly polarised (CP) light and chiral molecules is central to a range of areas, from spectroscopy and imaging to next-generation photonic devices. However, the selectivity in absorption or emission of left-handed versus right-handed CP light is low for many molecular systems. In this perspective, we assess the magnitude of the measured chiroptical response for a variety of chiral systems, ranging from small molecules to large supramolecular assemblies, and highlight the challenges towards enhancing chiroptical activity. We explain the origins of low CP dissymmetry and showcase recent examples in which molecular design, and the modification of light itself, enable larger responses. Our discussion spans spatial extension of the chiral chromophore, manipulation of transition dipole moments, exploitation of forbidden transitions and creation of macroscopic chiral structures; all of which can increase the dissymmetry. Whilst the specific strategy taken to enhance the dissymmetric interaction will depend on the application of interest, these approaches offer hope for the development and advancement of all research fields that involve interactions of chiral molecules and light.

Graphical abstract: Pathways to increase the dissymmetry in the interaction of chiral light and chiral molecules

Article information

Article type
Perspective
Submitted
26 4 2021
Accepted
20 5 2021
First published
21 5 2021
This article is Open Access

All publication charges for this article have been paid for by the Royal Society of Chemistry
Creative Commons BY license

Chem. Sci., 2021,12, 8589-8602

Pathways to increase the dissymmetry in the interaction of chiral light and chiral molecules

J. L. Greenfield, J. Wade, J. R. Brandt, X. Shi, T. J. Penfold and M. J. Fuchter, Chem. Sci., 2021, 12, 8589 DOI: 10.1039/D1SC02335G

This article is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported Licence. You can use material from this article in other publications without requesting further permissions from the RSC, provided that the correct acknowledgement is given.

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