Two protocols to determine the absolute configuration of axial chirality of oligonaphthalene derivatives connected with 1,4-positions based on a modified circular dichroic (CD) exciton chirality method have been developed. (1) Two 4-(2-pyreneyl)-butyric acids were condensed to the scaffolding hydroxy groups as exciton part. Positive or negative sense at around 350 nm on CD spectrum, which was originated from π-π* transition of the pyrene moiety, was reflected the absolute configuration of the target axis bond. (2) Split cotton effects (CE) at ca. 425 nm between two porphyrin derivatives attached with both terminals of rigid-rod oligonaphthalenes were also reflected the absolute configuration of the oligonaphthalenes: CD absorptions of (S,S,S)-tetranaphthalene derivatives presented negative CE at longer wavelength, in contrast, those of (S,R,S)-derivatives presented positive effect.
