Supramolecular polymers based on a pillar[5]arene-fused cryptand: design, fabrication and degradation accompanied by a fluorescence change

Novel supramolecular polymers based on a pillar[5]arene-fused cryptand have been constructed easily and conveniently, in which three orthogonal interactions were combined together.

The first water-soluble pillar[5]arene dimer: synthesis and construction of a reversible fluorescent supramolecular polymer network in water

The first water-soluble pillar[5]arene dimer was successfully designed and synthesized. It can complex with carboxylate anion functionalized tetraphenyl ethylene to form a reversible fluorescent supramolecular polymer network in water.

Photochemical and computational studies of inclusion complexes between β-cyclodextrin and 1,2-dihydroxyanthraquinones

An inclusion complex is formed between 1,2-DHAQ and β-CD, which is confirmed by UV-visible, fluorescence and electrochemical studies, FT-IR, XRD, DSC, SEM, ¹H NMR and computational methods.

Construction of a neutral linear supramolecular polymer via orthogonal donor–acceptor interactions and pillar[5]arene-based molecular recognition

A neutral linear supramolecular polymer was efficiently constructed by donor–acceptor interactions and pillar[5]arene-based molecular recognition through hierarchical orthogonal strategies.

Orthogonal Supramolecular Polymer Formation on Highly Oriented Pyrolytic Graphite (HOPG) Surfaces Characterized by Scanning Probe Microscopy

Formation of an orthogonal supramolecular polymer on a highly oriented pyrolytic graphite (HOPG) surface was demonstrated for the first time by means of scanning probe microscopy (SPM). Atomic force microscopy (AFM) was employed to characterize the variation of both the thickness and the topography of the film formed from (1) monomer 1, (2) monomer 1/Zn(2+), and (3) monomer 1/Zn(2+)/cross-linker 2, respectively. Scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) was used to monitor the self-assembly behavior of monomer 1 itself, as well as 1/Zn(2+) ions binary system on graphite surface, further testifying for the formation of linear polymer via coordination interaction at the single molecule level. These results, given by the strong surface characterization tool of SPM, confirm the formation of the orthogonal polymer on the surface of graphite, which has great significance in regard to fabricating a complex superstructure on surfaces.

Self-assembly of [3]catenanes and a [4]molecular necklace based on a cryptand/paraquat recognition motif

Hierarchical self-assembly centered on metallacyclic scaffolds greatly facilitates the construction of mechanically interlocked structures. The formation of two [3]catenanes and one [4]molecular necklace is presented by utilizing the orthogonality of coordination-driven self-assembly and crown ether-based cryptand/paraquat derivative complexation. The threaded [3]catenanes and [4]molecular necklace were fabricated by using ten and nine total molecular components, respectively, from four and three unique species in solution, respectively. In all cases single supramolecular ensembles were obtained, attesting to the high degree of structural complexity made possible via self-assembly approaches.

Self-healing polymer materials constructed by macrocycle-based host-guest interactions

Self-healing polymers, which can spontaneously recover themselves after being ruptured, result in enhanced lifetimes for materials and open up a fascinating direction in material science. Macrocycle-based host-guest interactions, one of the most crucial non-covalent interactions, play a key role in self-healing material fabrication. This review aims to highlight the very recent and important progress made in the area of self-healing polymer materials by focusing on cyclodextrins (CDs), crown ethers, cucurbit[n]urils (CBs), calix[n]arenes and pillar[n]arenes with special guest groups and tailored structures. In addition, we also propose future research directions and hope that this review can in a way reflect the current situation and future trends in this developing area.

A responsive supramolecular metallogel constructed by coordination-driven self-assembly of a crown ether-based [3]pseudorotaxane and a diplatinum(ii) acceptor

A stimuli-responsive supramolecular polymeric metallogel was prepared by orthogonal coordination-driven self-assembly of a crown ether-based [3]pseudorotaxane and a 180° organic di-Pt(ii) acceptor.

The exchangeable self-assembly behaviour of bis-pseudorotaxanes with metallo-bisviologens (CH3PyTpyFeTpyPyCH34+) and crown ether (Tpy = 2,2′:6′,2′′-terpyridine)

Two different terpyridine chelated Fe²⁺ complexes which contain two methyl-pyridinium salts could be self-assembled with dibenzo-24-crown-8 ether to generate exchangeable double metallo-pseudorotaxanes.

PO functional group-containing cryptands: from supramolecular complexes to poly[2]pseudorotaxanes

Host–guest systems based on PO functional group-containing cryptands and the corresponding supramolecular poly[2]pseudorotaxanes with different shapes were constructed successfully.

Cation assisted complexation of octacarbazolylphenyl substituted Zn(ii)-tetraphenylporphyrin with [2,2,2]cryptand

Supramolecular complex formed from a carbazolylphenyl-porphyrin first generation dendrimer and [2,2,2]cryptand was prepared and investigated the influence of alkali metal cations on its formation and properties.

Photo-induced conversion from supramolecular to covalently linked polymers based on anthracene-appended amphiphiles

A photo-induced conversion from supramolecular to covalent polymers was achieved based on anthracene-appended amphiphiles.

A pillar[5]arene-fused cryptand: from orthogonal self-assembly to supramolecular polymer

A supramolecular polymer based on a novel pillar[5]arene-fused cryptand host was successfully constructed by the orthogonal self-assembly of two host–guest interactions.

Supramolecular polymers constructed by orthogonal self-assembly based on host–guest and metal–ligand interactions

This review describes recent progress in the orthogonal construction of supramolecular polymers based on host–guest and metal coordination interactions.

pH-responsive host–guest polymerization and blending

pH-responsive supramolecular polymerization and polymer blending between complementary host and guest macromolecules are driven by tetraphosphonate cavitand/N-methyl ammonium complexation.

Dynamic self-assembly of coordination polymers in aqueous solution

The construction of supramolecular polymers has been intensively pursued because the nanostructures formed through weak non-covalent interactions can be triggered by external stimuli leading to smart materials and sensors. Self-assemblies of coordination polymers consisting of metal ions and organic ligands in aqueous solution also provide particular contributions in this area. The main motivation for developing those coordination polymers originates from the value-added combination between metal ions and ligands. This review highlights the recent progress of the dynamic self-assembly of coordination polymers that result from the sophisticated molecular design, towards fabricating stimuli-responsive systems and bio-related materials. Dynamic structural changes and switchable physical properties triggered by various stimuli are summarized. Finally, the outlook for aqueous nanostructures originated from the dynamic self-assembly of coordination polymers is also presented.

Responsive cross-linked supramolecular polymer network: hierarchical supramolecular polymerization driven by cryptand-based molecular recognition and metal coordination

A cation responsive cross-linked supramolecular polymer network (CSPN) with better material properties than that of a linear supramolecular polymer was constructed through hierarchical supramolecular polymerization driven by cryptand-based molecular recognition and metal coordination.