Absolute helicity induction in three-dimensional homochiral frameworks.

Three Co(II) isomers assembled from D-, or L-, or DL-camphorate together with achiral isonicotinate exhibit a clear relationship between chirality and helicity even though chiral molecules are not in the backbone of the helix: the absolute sense of helix made of achiral components is controlled by chains of metal and enantiopure chiral ligands running perpendicular to helix in two enantiomeric forms.