In Situ Supramolecular Polymerization via Organometallic-Catalyzed Macromolecular Metamorphosis.

X. Yang, Q. Ji, J. Liu, Y. Liu*

CCS Chem.2022, ASAP

https://doi.org/10.31635/ccschem.022.202201936

Abstract:

Integrating catalytic reactions with molecular assembly is a promising means of achieving controllable supramolecular polymerization. We report herein a novel and controllable method for in situ supramolecular polymerization via organometallic-catalyzed macromolecular metamorphosis. To this end, covalent polymers with polypentenamer backbones and pendant supramolecular motifs are designed and synthesized. By depolymerizing the polymers with the Grubbs catalysts, the supramolecular motifs can be gradually released from the polymers to the solution. Supramolecular polymerization occurs when a critical concentration is reached. The supramolecular polymerization process can be readily controlled by varying the rate of the depolymerization reaction. This work presents a novel approach that uses organometallic catalysis to transform covalent polymers into supramolecular polymers. It offers a new means of constructing complex molecular systems in a controllable manner.