title: Applications of chiral C3-symmetric molecules.
abstract: Throughout history symmetry and chirality have inspired artists and scientists alike. Given that rotational axes are the only elements of symmetry compatible with chirality, it is not surprising that C2- and C3-symmetrical molecules have attracted considerable attention. In recent years, the aesthetic appeal of C2-symmetrical molecules has been translated into many widely-used applications some of which are of commercial importance by its exploitation in the area of asymmetric catalysis. In contrast, exploitation of the arguably greater aesthetic appeal of C3-symmetric molecules is still in its infancy. This review, which surveys the applications of chiral C3-symmetrical molecules in the areas of asymmetric catalysis, molecular recognition and nanoarchitecture, has been designed with a view to identifying some of the most promising areas of application of these very beautiful molecules.
authors.affiliation: Department of Chemistry, Imperial College London, South Kensington Campus, London, UK SW7 2AY. s.gibson@imperial.ac.uk
authors.forename: Susan E
authors.initials: SE
authors.lastname: Gibson
authors.forename: M Paola
authors.initials: MP
authors.lastname: Castaldi