Asymmetrical supramolecular interactions as basis for complex responsive macromolecular architectures
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Hoogenboom, Richard; Fournier, David; Schubert, Ulrich S.
- Abstract:
- Intrigued by natural responsive systems based on a combination of macromolecules and noncovalent
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, starshaped
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.
- Year:
- 2008
- Type of Publication:
- Article
- Journal:
- Chemical Communications
- Pages:
- 155 - 162