Citation: Chunhong Liu, Xiaotong Liang, Wanhua Wu, Zhouyu Wang, Cheng Yang. Recent advances in chiral recognition with macrocyclic hosts[J]. Chinese Chemical Letters, ;2026, 37(7): 112279. doi: 10.1016/j.cclet.2025.112279 shu

Recent advances in chiral recognition with macrocyclic hosts

Chunhong Liu ^a ,
Xiaotong Liang ^b ,
Wanhua Wu ^{b, *,} ,
Zhouyu Wang ^{a, *,} ,
Cheng Yang ^{b, *,}

a.
Sichuan Engineering Research Center for Molecular Targeted Diagnostic & Therapeutic Drugs, School of Science, Xihua University, Chengdu 610039, China
b.
Key Laboratory of Green Chemistry & Technology of Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610064, China

wuwanhua@scu.edu.cn

zhouyuwang@mail.xhu.edu.cn

yangchengyc@scu.edu.cn

Received Date: 16 September 2025
Revised Date: 3 December 2025
Accepted Date: 12 December 2025
Available Online: 13 December 2025

Figures(16)

Chiral recognition is a central tenet of life sciences and biomolecular interactions. It is indispensable for the enantiomeric analysis of pharmaceuticals and agrochemicals, as well as for the development of chiral materials and devices, with significant implications for biomedical applications. Despite its importance, the creation of efficient and highly selective enantiomer recognition in synthetic systems presents a major challenge. Supramolecular macrocycles address this by providing well-defined cavities and synergistically positioned functional groups, which enhance chiral selectivity and sensitivity beyond the capabilities of traditional small molecules. While the design and synthesis of macrocyclic hosts have advanced considerably, their practical utility is often constrained by their recognition efficiency, binding affinity, and their ability to recognize a diverse range of analytes. This article reviews recent chemical strategies for enhancing chiral complexation and recognition, and discusses the future outlook and obstacles within this field.
- Macrocyclic compounds,
- Chirality recognition,
- Host-guest complexation,
- Non-covalent interaction,
- Enantioselectivity
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