Hydrogen-bonding dependent nontraditional fluorescence polyphenylallenes: Controlled synthesis and aggregation-induced emission behaviors

Polyarylisocyanides Derived from an Alkyne-Pd(II) Catalyst as Robust Alignment Media with Excellent Enantiodiscimination

The development of chiral alignment media for measuring anisotropic NMR parameters provides an opportunity to determine the absolute configuration of chiral molecules without the need for derivatization. However, chiral alignment media with a high and robust enantiodiscriminating property for a wide range of chiral molecules are still scarce. In this study, we synthesized cholesterol-end-functionalized helical polyisocyanides from a chiral monomer using a cholesterol-based alkyne-Pd(II) initiator. These stereoregular polyisocyanides form stable and weak anisotropic lyotropic liquid crystals (LLCs) in dichloromethane systems, exhibiting highly optical activities in both single left- and right-handed helices. The preparation process of the media was straightforward, and the aligning property of the LLCs could be controlled by adjusting the concentration and temperature. Using the chiral polyisocyanides, we extracted the residual dipolar coupling for an enantiomeric pair of isopinocampheol (IPC), as well as a number of pharmaceutical molecules, demonstrating excellent enantiodiscriminating properties for a broad range of chiral compounds.

Multicolor Luminescence of a Polyurethane Derivative Driven by Heat/Light-Induced Aggregation

The study of aggregate formation and its controllable effect on luminescence behavior has a far-reaching influence in establishing a universal aggregation photophysical mechanism. In this paper, we obtained clusters with different extents of aggregation by heat-induced or light-triggered aggregation of a new polyurethane derivative (PUE). The controllable regulation of multicolor fluorescence of a single (nondoped) polymeric material is realized. The luminescence behavior of PUE varies with microscopic control of the aggregation structure. Compared with the powder state, the enhanced atom-atom and group-group interactions of PUE-gel effectively limit the nonradiative transitions in the excited state and result in a red-shift in emission. This work avoids complex organic synthesis and demonstrates a simple strategy to induce aggregation and regulate the emitting color of macromolecules, providing a template for developing new materials for multicolor fluorescence. In addition, a pattern was constructed with encryption, anticounterfeiting, and information transmission functions which provide a proof-of-concept demonstration of the practical potential of PUE as a smart material.

Steroid-Based Liquid Crystalline Polymers: Responsive and Biocompatible Materials of the Future

Steroid-based liquid crystal polymers and co-polymers have come a long way, with new and significant advances being made every year. This paper reviews some of the recent key developments in steroid-based liquid crystal polymers and co-polymers. It covers the structure–property relationship between cholesterol and sterol-based compounds and their corresponding polymers, and the influence of chemical structure and synthesis conditions on the liquid crystalline behaviour. An overview of the nature of self-assembly of these materials in solvents and through polymerisation is given. The role of liquid crystalline properties in the applications of these materials, in the creation of nano-objects, drug delivery and biomedicine and photonic and electronic devices, is discussed.