Precise molecular shape control of linear and branched strips with chirality-assisted synthesis

This account describes the latest developments in the field of chirality-assisted synthesis (CAS). CAS has emerged as a versatile method to control the shapes of pi-conjugated macromolecules and supramolecular assemblies. With CAS, the sequence and chirality of the monomeric building blocks dictates the shape and functions of the resulting macromolecules in a programmable fashion. Supramolecular materials with special functions, e.g. the ability to encapsulate macrocycles, can be created with CAS. CAS has been utilized to synthesize a variety of shape-defined nanoscale structures, including polyaromatic strips, helices, molecular claws, and very large hydrogen-bonded closed-shell capsules. Applications, challenges, and future directions of the growing CAS field are discussed in light of the unique shape-control abilities CAS has to offer. [GRAPHICS] .