Controlled Formation and Binding Selectivity of Discrete Oligo(methyl methacrylate) Stereocomplexes

J Am Chem Soc. 2018 Feb 7;140(5):1945-1951. doi: 10.1021/jacs.7b13095. Epub 2018 Jan 29.

Abstract

The triple-helix stereocomplex of poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) is a unique example of a multistranded synthetic helix that has significant utility and promise in materials science and nanotechnology. To gain a fundamental understanding of the underlying assembly process, discrete stereoregular oligomer libraries were prepared by combining stereospecific polymerization techniques with automated flash chromatography purification. Stereocomplex assembly of these discrete building blocks enabled the identification of (1) the minimum degree of polymerization required for the stereocomplex formation and (2) the dependence of the helix crystallization mode on the length of assembling precursors. More significantly, our experiments resolved binding selectivity between helical strands with similar molecular weights. This presents new opportunities for the development of next-generation polymeric materials based on a triple-helix motif.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

  • Binding Sites
  • Molecular Structure
  • Molecular Weight
  • Polymethyl Methacrylate / chemistry*
  • Stereoisomerism

Substances

  • Polymethyl Methacrylate