From intrinsic structures to supramolecular organization: exploring the diversity and origins of chirality in metal clusters
Abstract
optically active surface protecting ligands, where chiral organic molecules transfer or enhance handedness through steric constraints and electronic coupling at the metal-ligand interface; and (iii) supramolecular organization, wherein individual clusters assemble into helically ordered or anisotropic architectures that exhibit collective chiroptical activity. This review brings together these diverse origins of chirality to offer a comprehensive understanding of their structural and physico-chemical bases. Moreover, we highlight how the three distinct origins of chirality in metal clusters differ in their synthetic accessibility and their typical impact on chiroptical behaviour. By putting forth such a perspective, the effort aims not only to advance the fundamental understanding of the mechanisms underlying chirality at the nanoscale, but also to build conceptual frameworks crucial for directing the development of next-generation chiral nanomaterials with tailored characteristics.
Fields of Study & Subjects
Nanocluster Synthesis and Applications
Magnetism in coordination complexes
Supramolecular Chemistry and Complexes
Publication details
- Journal / source
- Chemical Communications
- Publisher
- Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC)
- Volume
- 62
- Issue
- 10
- Pages
- 3142–3150
- Publication date
- 1 January 2026
- Language
- EN