Thiosquaramide-Based Supramolecular Polymers: Aromaticity Gain in a Switched Mode of Self-Assembly

J Am Chem Soc. 2020 Nov 25;142(47):19907-19916. doi: 10.1021/jacs.0c02081. Epub 2020 Nov 16.

Abstract

Despite a growing understanding of factors that drive monomer self-assembly to form supramolecular polymers, the effects of aromaticity gain have been largely ignored. Herein, we document the aromaticity gain in two different self-assembly modes of squaramide-based bolaamphiphiles. Importantly, O → S substitution in squaramide synthons resulted in supramolecular polymers with increased fiber flexibility and lower degrees of polymerization. Computations and spectroscopic experiments suggest that the oxo- and thiosquaramide bolaamphiphiles self-assemble into "head-to-tail" versus "stacked" arrangements, respectively. Computed energetic and magnetic criteria of aromaticity reveal that both modes of self-assembly increase the aromatic character of the squaramide synthons, giving rise to stronger intermolecular interactions in the resultant supramolecular polymer structures. These examples suggest that both hydrogen-bonding and stacking interactions can result in increased aromaticity upon self-assembly, highlighting its relevance in monomer design.

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

  • Hydrogen Bonding
  • Macromolecular Substances / chemical synthesis
  • Macromolecular Substances / chemistry*
  • Polymers / chemistry*
  • Quantum Theory
  • Quinine / analogs & derivatives*
  • Quinine / chemistry
  • Sulfur / chemistry

Substances

  • Macromolecular Substances
  • Polymers
  • squaramide
  • Sulfur
  • Quinine