Approaches to the synthesis of optically pure helicates

Methods by which helical bimetallic assemblies may be accessed as single isomers are described and reviewed. While there are a number of notable successes, the conclusion is made that no existing approach satisfies the criteria which will allow these fascinating compounds to emerge from the synthetic research laboratory environment to practical application in e.g. healthcare. For this to be achieved the compounds must be optically pure and non-racemising, soluble and chemically stable in water, readily available on a large scale, chemically diverse and synthetically robust.