Issue 2, 2008

Asymmetrical supramolecular interactions as basis for complex responsive macromolecular architectures

Abstract

Intrigued by natural responsive systems based on a combination of macromolecules and non-covalent interactions, polymer scientists have mimicked such systems by the formation of supramolecular polymers based on ionic interaction, hydrogen bonding and metal coordination. In recent years, the focus has shifted from rather simple non-directional and self-complementary interactions to the use of asymmetrical directional supramolecular interactions that allow the formation of complex responsive macromolecular architectures such as block copolymers, star-shaped polymers and graft copolymers. This feature article covers these recent developments on the use of asymmetrical supramolecular interactions in polymer science. Special attention is given to the formation of complex macromolecular architectures using directional supramolecular interactions. In addition, the responsiveness of the resulting macromolecular systems is discussed based on the assembly and/or disassembly that can be triggered by changes in external conditions.

Graphical abstract: Asymmetrical supramolecular interactions as basis for complex responsive macromolecular architectures

Article information

Article type
Feature Article
Submitted
08 May 2007
Accepted
22 Aug 2007
First published
13 Sep 2007

Chem. Commun., 2008, 155-162

Asymmetrical supramolecular interactions as basis for complex responsive macromolecular architectures

R. Hoogenboom, D. Fournier and U. S. Schubert, Chem. Commun., 2008, 155 DOI: 10.1039/B706855G

To request permission to reproduce material from this article, please go to the Copyright Clearance Center request page.

If you are an author contributing to an RSC publication, you do not need to request permission provided correct acknowledgement is given.

If you are the author of this article, you do not need to request permission to reproduce figures and diagrams provided correct acknowledgement is given. If you want to reproduce the whole article in a third-party publication (excluding your thesis/dissertation for which permission is not required) please go to the Copyright Clearance Center request page.

Read more about how to correctly acknowledge RSC content.

Social activity

Spotlight

Advertisements