A novel chiroptical phenomenon named "chiroptical rhythmicity" is described
. Chiroptical rhythmicity consists of multiple reversible circular dichrois
m Cotton effect sign inversions that follow a rhythmical pattern with respe
ct to the continuous addition of a ligand (L-His) to the sample (a septi(p-
phenylene)based receptor bound to phosphatidylcholine bilayers). Decrease a
nd blue-shift of the L-1(a) absorption of the oligophenylene chromophore in
dicated that partial "H" aggregation occurs during chiroptical rhythmicity.
Based on stereochemical considerations for monomeric and tetrameric oligop
henylenes, a hypothetical mechanism is discussed.