Two simple biphenyl compounds, I and 11, linked by diethyl ether chains have been synthesized. These biphenyl compounds are able to respectively rotate about an internal axis. From X-ray analyses, it was found that the 2,2'-linked biphenyl compound I can transmit the same axial chirality of the biphenyl backbones through the diethyl ether chains. On the other hand, in the 3,3'-linked biphenyl compound II, the opposite axial chirality of the biphenyl backbones is transmitted. (c) 2006 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.