Formation of a Copillar[5]arene-Based Supramolecular Polymer in Solution and in the Solid State

Synthesis of Glycoluril Dimers with the Ability to Form Polymeric Self-Associates in Water

Supramolecular self-assembly in water resulting in polymeric structures is emerging because of its potential in the preparation of adaptive materials with applications in biology and medicine. Here, we report the first example of host molecules based on glycoluril dimers, which self-associate into linear oligomers in water. The degree of polymerization for the resulting supramolecular aggregates was calculated using the isodesmic model and the Carothers equation. The model compound was prepared to enable a deeper understanding of the forces responsible for the self-association of the glycoluril dimer-based monomers in water.

Rim-differentiated Co-pillar[4+1]arenes

A series of rim-differentiated Co-pillar[4+1]arenes featuring penta-substituted "upper" rims and mono-functionalisable "lower" rims was successfully synthesised and fully characterised. These novel pillar[5]arene-based scaffolds with clickable moieties and extra synthetic handles are versatile platforms for self-assembled molecular architectures and biological applications.

Synthesis of functionalized copillar[4+1]arenes and rotaxane as heteromultivalent scaffolds

In this study, novel copillar[4+1]arenes were used as central heteromultivalent scaffolds via orthogonal couplings with a series of biologically relevant molecules such as carbohydrates, α-amino acids, biotin and phenylboronic acid. Further modifications by introducing maleimides or cyclooctyne groups provided molecular probes adapted to copper-free click chemistry. An octa-azidated fluorescent rotaxane bearing two distinct ligands was also generated in a fully controlled manner.

Stimuli-Responsive Internally Ion-Paired Supramolecular Polymer Based on a Bis-pillar[5]arene Dicarboxylic Acid Monomer

A novel bis-pillar[5]arene dicarboxylic acid self-assembles in the presence of 1,12-diaminododecane to yield overall neutral, internally ion-paired supramolecular polymers. Their aggregation, binding mode, and morphology can be tuned by external stimuli such as solvent polarity, concentration, and base treatment.

Biological Macrocycle: Supramolecular Hydrophobic Guest Transport System Based on Nanodiscs with Photodynamic Activity

A biogenic macrocycle-based guest loading system has been developed by the self-assembly of membrane scaffold protein and phospholipids. The resulting 10 nm level transport system can increase the solubility of hydrophobic photodynamic agent hypocrellin B in aqueous medium and exhibited a cellular internalization capacity with substantial photodynamic activity.

Supramolecular Gel Based on Crown-Ether-Appended Dynamic Covalent Macrocycles

A new type of dynamic covalent macrocycle with self-promoted supramolecular gelation behavior is developed. Under oxidative conditions, the dithiol compound containing a diamide alkyl linker with an odd number (7) of carbon chain and an appended crown ether shows a remarkable gelation ability in acetonitrile, without any template molecules. Due to the existence of crown ethers and disulfide bonds, the obtained gel shows a multiple stimuli-responsiveness behavior. The mechanical properties and reversibility of the gel are investigated. Computational modeling suggests that the peripheral chain for diamide hydrogen bonding is responsible for the gelation process.

A novel supramolecular polymer π-gel based on bis-naphthalimide functionalized-pillar[5]arene for fluorescence detection and separation of aromatic acid isomers

A pillar[5]arene-based supramolecular polymer π-gel, BPN-G, can selectively identify and separate benzoic acid isomers through rationally introduced multi-intermolecular interactions.

Efficient complexation between pillar[5]arenes and neutral guests: from host–guest chemistry to functional materials

This feature article covers the molecular recognition of pillar[5]arenes and neutral guests, and its application in making supramolecular structures, polymers and functional materials.

Fluorescent cross-linked supramolecular polymers constructed from a novel self-complementary AABB-type heteromultitopic monomer

A novel AABB-type heteromultitopic monomer (APOPV), having a self-complementary perpendicular structure, could solely self-assemble to fluorescent cross-linked supramolecular polymers.

Enantiopure pillar[5]arene active domains within a homochiral metal-organic framework

Enantiopure struts containing pillar[5]arenes incorporating planar chirality have been linked together with Zn4O clusters in order to create metal-organic frameworks that include homochiral active domains and so have the potential to act as a solid support in chiral chromatography.