Photophysical properties of chirality: Experimental and theoretical studies of (R)- and (S)-binaphthol derivatives as a prototype case

► The effect of chirality on photophysical properties was investigated. ► The same photophysics of enantiomers was observed in solutions. ► But different photoluminescent efficiency and lifetime were found in neat film. ► The different symmetry and formation probability of dimmers may be the main reason. ► The joint experimental and theoretical study explains these differences well.