Olefin metathesis and quadruple hydrogen bonding: a powerful combination in multistep supramolecular synthesis

Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2006 Aug 8;103(32):11850-5. doi: 10.1073/pnas.0602413103. Epub 2006 Jul 28.

Abstract

We show that combining concepts generally used in covalent organic synthesis such as retrosynthetic analysis and the use of protecting groups, and applying them to the self-assembly of polymeric building blocks in multiple steps, results in a powerful strategy for the self-assembly of dynamic materials with a high level of architectural control. We present a highly efficient synthesis of bifunctional telechelic polymers by ring-opening metathesis polymerization (ROMP) with complementary quadruple hydrogen-bonding motifs. Because the degree of functionality for the polymers is 2.0, the formation of alternating, blocky copolymers was demonstrated in both solution and the bulk leading to stable, microphase-separated copolymer morphologies.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Alkanes
  • Alkenes / chemistry*
  • Amino Acid Motifs
  • Chemical Phenomena
  • Chemistry, Physical
  • Dimerization
  • Hydrogen Bonding*
  • Microscopy, Atomic Force
  • Models, Chemical
  • Molecular Conformation
  • Molecular Structure
  • Polymers / chemistry
  • Temperature
  • Thermodynamics

Substances

  • Alkanes
  • Alkenes
  • Polymers