Materials ScienceChemistryMedicine

Xujin Qin, Zhen Zhang, Jianlei Han, Xuefeng Yang, Xue Jin, Dong Yang, Pengfei Duan

2026.2.17CHIRALITY

DOI: 10.1002/chir.70089

Abstract

Chirality transfer from molecules to supramolecular architectures underpins diverse biological and material functions, yet constructing helical heterojunctions remains a formidable challenge. Here, we report the discovery of nanoscale helical junctions directed by a molecular chiral junction derived from a meso-form lipid emitter with two heterochiral centers. Unlike enantiopure molecules, which assemble into uniform homochiral fibers, the meso-form molecule self-assembles into planar belts in pure DMSO and striking helical heterojunctions with opposite-handed portions in DMSO/H2O 9:1 (v/v). Spectroscopic and structural analyses reveal that solvent polarity and stereochemical configuration govern distinct packing modes and hierarchical chirality amplification. This unprecedented molecular-to-supramolecular transformation provides a new paradigm for chirality engineering, offering mechanistic insights into chiral self-assembly and opening opportunities for advanced chiroptical materials.

Citation format

QIN, Xujin, et al. Nanoscale helical heterojunctions from a π-conjugated emitter with two heterochiral centers. CHIRALITY, 2026, 38 3(3): e70089.