Copillar[5]arene-based supramolecular polymer gel: controlling stimuli–response properties through a novel strategy with surfactant

Abstract

A new functionalized copillar[5]arene derivative containing one 1,4-bis(hexadecyl)benzene unit and four 1,4-dimethoxybenzene units has been synthesized and revealed to present self-assembly driven by C–H⋯π and cation⋯π interactions in CD₃CN solution, giving a constructed supramolecular polymer gel accompanied by aggregation-induced enhanced emission (AIEE) of fluorescence. When adding a surfactant bearing hexadecylpyridinium chloride into the gel, the electron-poor compound penetrated into the rich-electron cavity of DCP5-16, forming host–guest complexation and causing fluorescence quenching due to the electron transfer. This approach may open up routes to novel stimuli–responsive supramolecular materials.