Supramolecular Polymerizations
Supramolecular Polymerizations
Supramolecular Polymerizations
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<strong>Supramolecular</strong> <strong>Polymerizations</strong> 513<br />
metries are helical, columnar, tubular soluble [25–44] or<br />
fibrous proteins, [45] S-layers, [46] composite systems such<br />
as block copolymers [47–49] and the tobacco mosaic virus<br />
(TMV). [50] Random networks and blends stabilized by<br />
multifunctional supramolecular linkages have also been<br />
reported. [51–55]<br />
Class B. This class includes self-assembled structures<br />
formed by supramolecular binding of monofunctional<br />
unimers. Such unimers cannot undergo open supramolecular<br />
polymerization, but can nevertheless form closed<br />
assemblies involving both low- and high-molecularweight<br />
species. Classical host/guest complexes, [56] base<br />
pairing of simple nucleoside [57] and supermolecules are<br />
low-molecular-weight examples. Polymeric examples<br />
described as SPs include side-chain binding of a monofunctional<br />
unimer to a covalent chain. For instance, Kato<br />
and FrØchet first reported the binding of the monofunctional<br />
mesogen stilbazole to the side chains of a nonmesogenic<br />
polymer functionalized with pendant benzoic<br />
acid groups. [58] Additional examples are double-, and triple-chain<br />
assemblies, and globular structures unable to<br />
grow further when complementary monofunctional sites<br />
are internally saturated.<br />
Class C. A number of SPs displaying novel supramolecular<br />
features were obtained by superimposition of covalent<br />
and supramolecular bonds. These systems are selfassembling<br />
but show irreversible DPs. The supramolecular<br />
organization may either precede, be simultaneous to,<br />
or follow the formation of covalent bonds. Examples of<br />
the first type include the rotaxane and catenane polymers<br />
described by Stoddart and coworkers, [59–61] the growth of<br />
dendrimers though successive generations, [62] and other<br />
attempts to stabilize a supramolecular assembly by the<br />
subsequent formation of covalent bonds. [63, 64] The final<br />
covalent system may retain specific supramolecular features,<br />
or the precursor supramolecular organization may<br />
just be a step of a supramolecularly assisted synthesis of<br />
a complex structure. Examples in which the supramolecular<br />
and the molecular order are simultaneously formed<br />
are the synthesis of dendrons possessing polymerizable<br />
functionality at their focal points, as reported by Percec<br />
and Schlüter. [65, 66] These assemblies display most interesting<br />
composite architectures such as columns of disks<br />
hosting the dendrons, with the main covalent chain running<br />
in the center of each column. [67] Cases in which the<br />
covalent structure occurs before the supramolecular one<br />
include the dendronization of a covalent polymer,<br />
reported for instance by Tomalia and coworkers, [68] and<br />
the self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) regarded as<br />
supramolecular assemblies of short hydrocarbon chains<br />
covalently grafted to a gold surface. [69]<br />
Class D. The class of engineered assemblies includes<br />
systems that do not form spontaneously ordered structures<br />
under normal conditions. Their ordered structurization<br />
is based on controlled methods of deposition or<br />
synthesis. Their classification as SPs can be justified<br />
since elements of supramolecular interaction still assist<br />
the final organization. Examples are the layered assembly<br />
of complementary polyelectrolytes obtained by step-wise<br />
deposition under kinetic control, [70] and polymer brushes<br />
prepared by grafting a polymer chain over a selfassembled<br />
monolayer of an initiator. [71] Both approaches<br />
allow a fine tuning of surface properties, complemented<br />
by patterning possibilities. Tailored performance in applications,<br />
such as biocompatibility, biocatalysis, integrated<br />
optics and electronics, are possible.<br />
[70, 71]<br />
The following sections detail concepts and results relevant<br />
to supramolecular polymerization and SPs in class A<br />
systems. In particular, Section 4 summarizes the theoretical<br />
framework of polymerization mechanisms [1] forming<br />
the basis for the critical analysis of the experimental data<br />
to be presented in Section 5. Some aspects already<br />
described in preceding reviews/analyses by the author [1]<br />
(focusing on mechanisms), by Lehn, [2] Zimmermann and<br />
coworkers, [5] Meijer and coworkers [4] (focusing on chemical<br />
features) are briefly summarized, placing more<br />
emphasis on recent data and concepts.<br />
2 The Bond. Site and Shape Recognition<br />
The cement holding well organized supramolecular structures<br />
requires the description of: (i) interaction between<br />
specific sites, (ii) site distribution and (iii) shape complementarity<br />
of the unimers (cf. ref. [1] for a detailed discussion).<br />
The relevant interactions are schematized in Figure<br />
Figure 2. Forces assisting supramolecular organization.