Stereochemistry at the Single-Molecule Level: From Monitoring to Regulation

Area of Science:

• Chemistry
• Physics
• Materials Science

Background:

• Traditional stereochemistry analysis involves bulk measurements, obscuring individual molecular dynamics.
• Single-molecule techniques offer real-time tracking of stereochemical transformations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review recent advances in single-molecule techniques for monitoring and regulating stereochemical properties.
• To highlight methods bridging macroscopic observations with molecular dynamics.

Main Methods:

• Electrical methods: scanning probe microscopy, single-molecule junction techniques, nanopore technology.
• Non-electrical methods: circular dichroism spectroscopy, surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy.
• Chiral molecule manipulation using optical tweezers and modified scanning tunneling microscopies.

Main Results:

• Demonstration of light, electric field, and mechanical force regulating constitutional, configurational, and conformational isomerizations.
• Leveraging chirality-induced spin selectivity for enantiomer discrimination and manipulation.
• Identification of challenges in resolving ultrafast isomerization and understanding chiral origins.

Conclusions:

• Single-molecule techniques provide unprecedented insights into chemical dynamics.
• Emerging strategies promise advancements in stereochemical research and applications in molecular electronics and nanotechnology.
• This field holds transformative potential for designing functional molecular systems.