Chirality of 4,4'-Biphenylene Bridged Polybissilsesquioxane Nanotubes Using the Dipeptides Derived from Valine.

Four dipeptides with alkyl chains derived from L- and D-valines were synthesized, the handedness of their self-assemblies were controlled by the valine chirality at the terminals. The stacking of the carbonyl groups plays an important in the formation of chiral organic self-assemblies. Chiral 4,4'-biphenylene bridged polybissilsesquioxane nanotubes were prepared using the self-assemblies of these dipeptides as the templates. The chirality of the polysilsesquioxane nanotubes was mainly controlled by the valines at the terminals of the dipeptides, which was transferred from the valines at the terminals through electrostatic interaction. The valines near the alkyl chains could also affect the polysilsesquioxane chirality through hydrogen bonding.