A stereodynamic probe of Pt(II) molecular hinge for chiroptical sensing of cryptochiral compounds

Cryptochiral compounds are indispensable in biology systems and medical applications, yet the development of high-performance detection method remains challenging. Here, we report a hinge-like dinuclear Pt(II) complex as a stereodynamic probe for cryptochirality sensing. This probe features a constrained, closed conformation achieved through synergistic intramolecular π - π stacking and metal-metal interactions between cyclometalated Pt(II) wings. The probe shows a robust chiroptical response to center-to-axial chiral induction during the rapid condensation with cryptochiral compounds that adopts a more energetically favorable conformation. The resulting intense Cotton effects at long wavelengths enable in-situ circular dichroism analysis to determinate the absolute configuration and enantiometric composition of the cryptochiral molecules. Furthermore, the near-infrared phosphorescence characteristics of the hinge have been explored to develop it as an optical sensor for the accurate quantification of cryptochiral molecules. With its dual CD and phosphorescence capabilities, this probe shows great potential for high-throughput screening analysis.