Enantioselective recognition based on aggregation-induced emission

Chirality is one of the most important features of the nature. The recognition of enantiomers plays significant roles in the field of life science, pharmaceutical analysis and food chemistry. Among various recognition methods, fluorescence spectrometry has attracted much attention of researchers thanks to its high sensitivity and easy operation. Compared with traditional fluorescent probes, chiral molecules with aggregation-induced emission (AIE) have drawn increasing interests due to their huge potential in high-efficiency chemo/biosensors and solid emitters. Chiral AIE luminogens (AIEgens) can not only discriminate two enantiomers with excellent enantioselectivity, but also show general applicability for many chiral analytes, such as chiral acids, amino acids, amines, alcohols. In this review, we mainly summarized the recent development of chiral probes with AIE properties, including chiral tetraphenylethylene (TPE) derivatives, α-cyanostilbene derivatives, Schiff base derivatives and other AIEgens. Their synthetic routes, recognition capabilities and possible working mechanisms were well discussed. It is envisioned that the present review can give some significant guidance for design and synthesis of chiral AIEgens with good enantioselectivity and inspire more readers to join the research of chiral AIE.