Properties and applications of precision oligomer materials; where organic and polymer chemistry join forces |
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| Authors: | Bas van Genabeek Brigitte A G Lamers Craig J Hawker E W Meijer Will R Gutekunst Bernhard V K J Schmidt |
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| Institution: | 1. Laboratory of Macromolecular and Organic Chemistry, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, The Netherlands;2. Materials Research Laboratory, University of California, Santa Barbara, California, USA;3. School of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia, USA;4. Department of Colloid Chemistry, Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces, Potsdam, Germany |
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| Abstract: | Precise oligomeric materials constitute a growing area of research with implications for various applications as well as fundamental studies. Notably, this field of science which can be termed macro-organic chemistry, draws inspiration from both traditional polymer chemistry and organic synthesis, combining the molecular precision of organic chemistry with the materials properties of macromolecules. Discrete oligomers enable access to unprecedented materials properties, for example, in self-assembled structures, crystallization, or optical properties. The degree of control over oligomer structures resembles many biological systems and enables the design of materials with tailored properties and the development of fundamental structure–property relationships. This Review highlights recent developments in macro-organic chemistry from synthetic concepts to materials properties, with a focus on self-assembly and molecular recognition. Finally, an outlook for future research directions is provided. |
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| Keywords: | discrete oligomers macro-organic chemistry oligomer materials oligomers |
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