Abstract
We reveal unique hydrogen (H‐) bonding patterns and exploit them to control the kinetics, pathways and length of supramolecular polymers (SPs). New bisamide‐containing monomers were designed to elucidate the role of competing intra‐ vs. intermolecular H‐bonding interactions on the kinetics of supramolecular polymerization (SP). Remarkably, two polymerization‐inactive metastable states were discovered. Contrary to previous examples, the commonly assumed intramolecularly H‐bonded monomer does not evolve into intermolecularly H‐bonded SPs via ring opening, but rather forms a metastable dimer. In this dimer, all H‐bonding sites are saturated, either intra‐ or intermolecularly, hampering elongation. The dimers exhibit an advantageous preorganization, which upon opening of the intramolecular portion of the H‐bonding motif facilitates SP in a consecutive process. The retardation of spontaneous self‐assembly as a result of two metastable states enables length control in SP by seed‐mediated growth.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
