Abstract: A novel strategy for imprinting mesoporous SBA-15 using chiral ruthenium complexes is reported. This imprinting strategy combines the triblock copolymer (PEO)(20)(PPO)(70)(PEO)(20) template and the chiral dichlorotris(1,10- phenanthroline)ruthenium(II) complex. A chiral PEO helix is formed by interaction of the chiral ruthenium complex with the block copolymer during the templated synthesis of the mesoporous SBA-15 molecular sieves. Upon removal of the chiral ruthenium complex, a stereospecific cavity is created. Preliminary results indicate that stereoselective absorption of either Delta or Lambda-Ru(phen)21 isomers from a racemic mixture can be achieved depending on the chirality of the PEO chain. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science Inc. All rights reserved