A simple and visual approach for enantioselective recognition through supramolecular gels with specific selectivity.

ABSTRACT

Simple (S)- or (R)-1,1'-binaphthalene-2,2'-diol-3-carbaldehyde was found to enantioselectively self-assemble to form a gel or solution with one enantiomer of chiral amines, 1,1'-binaphthalene-2,2'-diamine, through intermolecular hydrogen bond, HH, π-π stacking, and chirality-induced interactions. The enantioselective recognition is visual and highly selective with little interference from similar organic compounds and common cations and anions.