Chiral Amplification and Regulation: Design and Applications of Circularly Polarized Luminescence-Active Materials Derived From Macrocyclic Compounds

Abstract

Chirality is a fundamental property in molecules and biological systems, characterized by asymmetric configurational features. Circularly polarized luminescence (CPL) materials have gained significant attention due to their unique optical activities, with applications in 3D displays, chiral sensors, asymmetric catalysis, and more. Chiral transfer and amplification typically involve the generation of chirality in the excited state, facilitated by interactions like energy transfer, electron transfer, or chiral induction. Supramolecular self-assembly strategies, particularly macrocyclic compounds, enable chiral amplification by linking chiral and achiral luminescent units through intermolecular interactions. Macrocyclic hosts—cyclodextrins, calix[n]arenes, pillar[n]arenes, chiral cyclophanes, and cucurbit[n]urils—are especially promising due to their stable structures and adjustable cavities for guest encapsulation. These compounds induce unique photophysical properties through host–guest complexation, making them ideal for constructing chiral transfer, amplification, and CPL-active materials. This review summarizes their advancements in multicolor CPL materials, chiral sensing, induction, asymmetric catalysis, and separation, highlighting their potential in supramolecular chiral material design. The challenges and future directions of this field are also discussed, aiming to guide further research and application in supramolecular chiral systems.