Many solid state functions including second-order nonlinear optical (NLO) effects require noncentrosymmetric organization of molecular building blocks. The construction of such acentric supramolecular assemblies presents a great challenge to conventional synthetic methodologies. I would like to discuss in this talk our recent efforts in the rational synthesis of polar and chiral solids based on polymeric metal-organic coordination networks. Several persistent structural motifs have been used to consistently construct acentric polymeric coordination networks containing electronically unsymmetrical NLO chromophoric building blocks.

We have also recently initiated a research program aiming at the rational design of homochiral supramolecular systems for potential applications in enantioselective sensing, separation, and catalysis. I will also discuss our efforts on the design of a variety of chiral rigid linkers and their use in the construction of chiral supramolecular architectures ranging from metallamacrocycles to extended porous frameworks. Preliminary evaluations of these novel materials for applications in enantioselective sensing, separation, and catalysis will also be presented.