Dynamers: Dynamic Molecular and Supramolecular Polymers

Abstract

Dynamers are defined as constitutional dynamic polymers, i.e. polymeric entities whose monomeric components are linked through reversible connections and have therefore the capacity to modify their constitution by exchange and reshuffling of their components. They may be either of supramolecular or molecular nature depending on whether the connections are non-covalent interactions or reversible covalent bonds. They are formed respectively either by polyassociation with interactional recognition or by polycondensation with functional recognition between the connecting subunits. Both types are illustrated by specific examples implementing hydrogen bonding on one hand and formation of imine-type bonds on the other. The dynamic properties confer to dynamers the ability to undergo adaptation and driven evolution under the effect of external chemical or physical triggers. Dynamers thus are constitutional dynamic materials resulting from the application of the principles of constitutional dynamic chemistry to polymer science.