Abstract
ABSTRACT
Rational design and synthesis of a new class of self‐assembled, dansyl‐functionalized chiral conjugates derived from L/D‐valine and L/D‐phenylalanine are independently utilized for applications in selective Hg(II) sensing and catalytic CO
2
conversion. The enantiomeric systems (
1
‐L/D and
2
‐L/D) obtained via sulfonamide coupling with dansyl chloride were fully characterized by advanced spectroscopic methods and single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. Circular dichroism confirms efficient transfer of chirality from the amino acid backbone to the supramolecular assemblies. At the same time, atomic force microscopy reveals distinct stereochemical control: L‐forms generate nanospherical structures, while D‐forms produce nanoconical morphologies. The conjugates exhibit strong dansyl‐based fluorescence with highly selective turn‐off responses toward Hg(II), following Stern–Volmer behavior with micromolar detection limits; Job's plot and morphology variations support metal‐induced reorganization. Independently, they function as hydrogen bond donor organocatalysts for solvent‐free CO
2
cycloaddition to epoxides, affording up to 93% conversion under mild conditions within 6 h in the presence of n‐Bu
4
NBr. The phenylalanine‐derived system exhibits better selective sensing and catalytic efficiency, highlighting a bioinspired platform integrating chiral self‐assembly, heavy‐metal recognition, and sustainable CO
2
utilization.