Yingjian Shang, Xuefeng Zhao, Tao Wu, Yanhui He, Xing Guo, Hongwei Si*, Lijuan Jiao*, Erhong Hao*, Wei Miao*

Cite this article: Chin. J. Struct. Chem., 2025, 44(12), 100722. DOI: 10.1016/j.cjsc.2025.100722

Publication date: December 1, 2025

Keywords: Double-helical trinuclear complex; Zinc coordination complex; Tridipyrrin ligands; Chiral near-infrared dyes; Circular dichroism

ABSTRACT

A novel double-stranded trinuclear bis(tridipyrrin) zinc(II) complex, constructed from a linear π-conjugated tridipyrrin ligand, was synthesized and characterized. The complex featuring six directly linked dipyrrin units, exhibits a stable double-helical structure with two non-superimposableP and Menantiomers, as confirmed by X-ray crystallography. Chirality was further demonstrated through HPLC separation and mirror-image circular dichroism (CD) spectra. The complex shows strong near-infrared (NIR) absorption and excellent solubility in various solvents, attributed to its sterically hindered structure. Spectroscopic, electrochemical, and theoretical studies revealed its unique electronic properties and redox behavior. This work advances the design of chiral NIR-active metallo-supramolecular systems and highlights potential applications in chiroptical materials.