New synthesis strategy controls handedness in large, light-emitting molecular spirals

Helicenes are a class of organic molecules consisting of benzene rings arranged in a spiral-like shape. These molecules exhibit significant circularly polarized luminescence—emission of light with left or right handedness—and are expected to be utilized in 3D displays and anti-counterfeiting inks. Carbohelicenes, a subgroup of helicenes, are composed entirely of carbon and hydrogen.