Homochiral 1D helical chain based on an achiral Cu(II) complex.

Self-assembly of an achiral [Cu(L)] complex produced a homochiral helical chain [Cu(L)](3)·2H(2)O (1) (L = 2-dimethylaminoethyl(oxamato)). Interestingly, complex 1 obtained in our laboratory exhibits only a left-handed helical chain without any chiral source. Single-crystal X-ray analysis revealed the absolute structure and homochirality of its helical chain structure in the space group of P3(2). Solid-state circular dichroism (CD) spectra confirmed the high enantio excess of the crystals obtained in different synthesis batches. Magnetic susceptibility measurements reveal a relatively strong intrachain antiferromagnetic interaction between Cu(II) centers via an oxamato bridge (J = -74.4 cm(-1)).