Alkyl-Alkyl Interactions in the Periphery of Supramolecular Entities: From the Evaluation of Weak Forces to Applications

Michael Giese; Markus Albrecht

doi:10.1002/cplu.202000077

Alkyl-Alkyl Interactions in the Periphery of Supramolecular Entities: From the Evaluation of Weak Forces to Applications

Chempluschem. 2020 Apr;85(4):715-724. doi: 10.1002/cplu.202000077.

Authors

Michael Giese¹, Markus Albrecht²

Affiliations

¹ Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Duisburg-Essen, Universitätsstraße 7, 45141, Essen, Germany.
² Institut für Organische Chemie, RWTH Aachen University, Landoltweg 1, 52074, Aachen, Germany.

PMID: 32286742
DOI: 10.1002/cplu.202000077

Abstract

Supramolecular chemistry is based on weak intermolecular forces which nevertheless are of importance for chemical processes. In this report the relevance of alkyl-alkyl interactions in supramolecular assemblies is discussed. We show how hierarchically formed helicates can be used to evaluate weak interactions of alkyl groups based on solvent-supported London dispersion. In addition, the role of nano-segregation of alkyl groups in the periphery of supramolecular assemblies is described, as well as how this can be used to improve the properties of liquid-crystalline materials by controlling the alkyl-chain-mediated aggregation process.

Keywords: dispersion interactions; functional materials; helicates; hydrogen-bonded liquid crystals; self-assembly.

Publication types

Review
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't