Chirality Sensing in Coordination-driven Supramolecular Assemblies

Chirality is a widespread structural characteristic found in nature and plays a vital role in the structure and functioning of almost all biological systems. Nevertheless, the translation of chirality into synthetic systems is highly intricate, yet captivating, as it not only applies fundamental understanding but also has the potential to tackle significant difficulties in biochemistry and medicine. Structurally, the process of coordination-driven self-assembly involves the organization of basic molecular components into well-defined porous homochiral metal-organic cages (MOCs). This allows for a systematic investigation of the enantioselective processes occurring within the nanocavities, which have limited space and specific chiral microenvironments. This article aims to provide a comprehensive summary of the recent advancements in supramolecular chirality generated in the fascinating class of porous MOCs. It will cover the synthesis and characterization of these materials, as well as the implications of their stereochemical information in terms of chiral recognition and enantio-separation. Subsequently, a subjective viewpoint will be presented regarding the potential, possibilities, and significant challenges in the future advancement of this domain, aiming to expand the progress in creating novel chiral functional materials in the realm of chemistry and beyond.