Light‐ and Heat‐Induced Reversal of Circularly Polarized Luminescence in a Single Molecule

Angewandte Chemie International Edition 2026 Open access

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Authors: Louis Hardoin, Eric Sidler, John Y. de Boer, Gaétan Delhaye, Matthieu Loumaigne, M. Allain, Sébastien Goeb, Alexander Ryabchun, Marc Sallé, Denis Jacquemin, Ben L. Feringa, David Canevet
DOI: 10.1002/anie.202522699
Cited by: 5
References: 48

Abstract

Switching the handedness of circularly polarized luminescence (CPL) at the molecular level remains a challenge in the development of responsive chiral materials. We report a light-driven molecular motor covalently linked to two perylenediimide (PDI) chromophores, enabling reversible and directional modulation of CPL. The different motor states, which are accessible in a unidirectional fashion via light-irradiation and thermal helix inversion steps, respectively, display significantly distinct chiroptical properties. In addition, our system allows switching of the chiral induction process and hence, the observation of a CPL signal. The present work discloses the first example of reversible CPL sign inversion triggered by light irradiation at the single molecular level, offering a new starting point for designing emitters with light-responsive chirality modulation.

Fields of Study & Subjects

Synthesis and Properties of Aromatic Compounds Supramolecular Chemistry and Complexes Photochromic and Fluorescence Chemistry

Publication details

Journal / source
Angewandte Chemie International Edition
Publisher
Wiley
Volume
65
Issue
7
Pages
e22699–e22699
Publication date
1 January 2026
Language
EN