Two‐Component Self‐Assembly: Hierarchical Formation of pH‐Switchable Supramolecular Networks by π–π Induced Aggregation of Ion Pairs

Two‐component self‐assembly is a promising approach to construct functional nanomaterials. Interaction of a flexible guanidiniocarbonyl pyrrole tetra‐cation ( 1 ) with naphthalene diimide dicarboxylic acid (NDIDC) in aqueous DMSO leads to the formation of supramolecular networks. First, the carboxylate groups of NDIDC bind to the guanidiniocarbonyl pyrrole cations of 1 in a 1:2 stoichiometry. Further π–π induced aggregation then leads to 3D networks, as established by dynamic light scattering studies (DLS), NMR, fluorescence titration, viscosity measurements, AFM, and TEM microscopy. Due to ion pairing, the resulting aggregates can be switched between the monomers and the aggregates reversibly using external stimuli like protonation or deprotonation. At high concentration, a stable colloidal solution is formed, which shows an extensive Tyndall effect. Increasing the concentrations even further leads to formation of a supramolecular gel.     

A Double Cation–π‐Driven Strategy Enabling Two‐Dimensional Supramolecular Polymers as Efficient Catalyst Carriers

The cation–π interaction is a strong non‐covalent interaction that can be used to prepare high‐strength, stable supramolecular materials. However, because the molecular plane of a cation‐containing group and that of aromatic structure are usually perpendicular when forming a cation–π complex, it is difficult to exploit the cation–π interaction to prepare a 2D self‐assembly in which the molecular plane of all the building blocks are parallel. Herein, a double cation–π‐driven strategy is proposed to overcome this difficulty and have prepared 2D self‐assemblies with long‐range ordered molecular hollow hexagons. The double cation–π interaction makes the 2D self‐assemblies stable. The 2D self‐assemblies are to be an effective carrier that can eliminate metal‐nanoparticle aggregation. Such 2D assembly/palladium nanoparticle hybrids are shown to exhibit recyclability and superior catalytic activity for a model reaction.     

Supramolecular interactions in carboxylate and sulfonate salts of 2,6‐diamino‐4‐chloropyrimidinium

Two new salts, namely 2,6‐diamino‐4‐chloropyrimidinium 2‐carboxy‐3‐nitrobenzoate, C₄H₆ClN₄⁺·C₈H₄NO₆⁻, (I), and 2,6‐diamino‐4‐chloropyrimidinium p‐toluenesulfonate monohydrate, C₄H₆ClN₄⁺·C₇H₇O₃S⁻·H₂O, (II), have been synthesized and characterized by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. In both crystal structures, the N atom in the 1‐position of the pyrimidine ring is protonated. In salt (I), the protonated N atom and the amino group of the pyrimidinium cation interact with the carboxylate group of the anion through N—H…O hydrogen bonds to form a heterosynthon with an R ₂²(8) ring motif. In hydrated salt (II), the presence of the water molecule prevents the formation of the familiar R ₂²(8) ring motif. Instead, an expanded ring [i.e. R ₃²(8)] is formed involving the sulfonate group, the pyrimidinium cation and the water molecule. Both salts form a supramolecular homosynthon [R ₂²(8) ring motif] through N—H…N hydrogen bonds. The molecular structures are further stabilized by π–π stacking, and C=O…π, C—H…O and C—H…Cl interactions.     

Driving Helical Packing of a Cyanine Dye on Dendron Nanofiber: Gel‐Shrinkage‐Triggered Chiral H‐Aggregation and Enhanced Enantiodiscrimination

An intelligent molecular hydrogel with a volume phase transition was constructed to regulate the chiral packing of a well‐known cyanine dye on a dynamically self‐assembled chiral nanofiber by using a pH trigger. During the shrinkage of the gel, the chiral nanofiber hierarchically assembled into a superhelix and simultaneously drove the dye molecules to stack, from a predominantly monomer form, in an unexpected helical H‐aggregation manner. Through such a transformation, the supramolecular chirality of the system was significantly enhanced and a new property of visual discrimination for chiral amines emerged.     

High Degree of Polymerization in a Fullerene‐Containing Supramolecular Polymer

Supramolecular polymers based on dispersion forces typically show lower molecular weights (MW) than those based on hydrogen bonding or metal–ligand coordination. We present the synthesis and self‐assembling properties of a monomer featuring two complementary units, a C₆₀ derivative and an exTTF‐based macrocycle, that interact mainly through π–π, charge‐transfer, and van der Waals interactions. Thanks to the preorganization in the host part, a remarkable log K_a=5.1±0.5 in CHCl₃ at room temperature is determined for the host–guest couple. In accordance with the large binding constant, the monomer self‐assembles in the gas phase, in solution, and in the solid state to form linear supramolecular polymers with a very high degree of polymerization. A MW above 150 kDa has been found experimentally in solution, while in the solid state the monomer forms extraordinarily long, straight, and uniform fibers with lengths reaching several microns.     

Covalent Organic Framework for Improving Near‐Infrared Light Induced Fluorescence Imaging through Two‐Photon Induction

Fluorescent materials exhibiting two‐photon induction (TPI) are used for nonlinear optics, bioimaging, and phototherapy. Polymerizations of molecular chromophores to form π‐conjugated structures were hindered by the lack of long‐range ordering in the structure and strong π–π stacking between the chromophores. Reported here is the rational design of a benzothiadiazole‐based covalent organic framework (COF) for promoting TPI and obtaining efficient two‐photon induced fluorescence emissions. Characterization and spectroscopic data revealed that the enhancement in TPI performance is attributed to the donor‐π‐acceptor‐π‐donor configuration and regular intervals of the chromophores, the large π‐conjugation domain, and the long‐range order of COF crystals. The crystalline structure of TPI‐COF attenuates the π–π stacking interactions between the layers, and overcomes aggregation‐caused emission quenching of the chromophores for improving near‐infrared two‐photon induced fluorescence imaging.     

Self‐Healing Polymers via Supramolecular Forces

As polymers and polymeric materials are “the” smart invention and technological driving force of the 20th century, the quest for self‐healing or self‐repairing polymers is strong. The concept of supramolecular self‐healing materials relies on the use of noncovalent, transient bonds to generate networks, which are able to heal the damaged site, putting aspects of reversibility and dynamics of a network as crucial factors for the understanding and design of such self‐healing materials. This Review describes recent examples and concepts of supramolecular polymers based on hydrogen bonding, π–π interactions, ionomers, and coordinative bonds, thus convincingly discussing the advantages and versatility of these supramolecular forces for the design and realization of self‐healing polymers.     

Metal Coordination Stoichiometry Controlled Formation of Linear and Hyperbranched Supramolecular Polymers

Controlling the topologies of polymers is a hot topic in polymer chemistry because the physical and/or chemical properties of polymers are determined (at least partially) by their topologies. This study exploits the host–guest interactions between dibenzo‐24‐crown‐8 and secondary ammonium salts and metal coordination interactions between 2,6‐bis(benzimidazolyl)‐pyridine units with metal ions (Zn^II and/or Eu^III) as orthogonal non‐covalent interactions to prepare supramolecular polymers. By changing the ratios of the metal ion additives (Zn(NO₃)₂ and Eu(NO₃)₃) linkers to join the host–guest dimeric complex, the linear supramolecular polymers (100 mol% Zn(NO₃)₂ per ligand) and hyperbranched supramolecular polymers (97 mol% Zn(NO₃)₂ and 3 mol% Eu(NO₃)₃ per ligand) are separately and successfully constructed. This approach not only expands topological control over polymeric systems, but also paves the way for the functionalization of smart and adaptive materials.

     

Facile One‐Pot Synthesis of a Polyvinylpyrrolidone‐Based Self‐Crosslinked Fluorescent Film

A polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP)‐based fluorescent film with stable optical properties is successfully prepared in one pot without any additive. The reaction mechanism of ring‐opening and self‐crosslinking of linear PVP is proposed and demonstrated. The morphologies and the nanostructures of the fluorescent film as well as the unmodified film are investigated. The dye is incorporated into the film networks via covalent linkages, thus leading to the highly stable optical properties. The facile and effective synthesis approach opens a new way for the design of other multi‐functional composite materials based on linear PVP.

     

Solvent Control over Supramolecular Gel Formation and Fluorescence for a Highly Crystalline π‐Conjugated Polymer

In π‐conjugated polymers (πCPs), crystallinity and fluorescence typically exhibit a trade‐off relationship. Here, we have synthesized a highly crystalline and fluorescent π‐conjugated polymer with a simple alternating structure of 1,2,4,5‐tetrafluorophenylene and 3,3′‐dihexyl‐2,2′‐bithiophene units. In film, the polymer exhibited efficient red‐colored fluorescence, an improved quantum yield (Φ_sol=13 %→Φ_film=23 %) and a crystalline structure. Interestingly, supramolecular gel formation occurred in appropriate solvents, and the macrostructure and fluorescence properties of the gel could be directly controlled by the choice of the solvent. The polymer self‐assembled into a spherical form that exhibited red fluorescence in non‐aromatic solvent (1,2‐dichloroethane) and into a fibrous form that exhibited yellow fluorescence in aromatic solvent (mesitylene).     

Single‐Chain Magnetic Behavior in a Hetero‐Tri‐Spin Complex Mediated by Supramolecular Interactions with TCNQF.− Radicals

The self‐assembly of organic TCNQF^.? radicals (2‐fluoro‐7,7,8,8‐tetracyano‐p‐quinodimethane) and the anisotropic [Tb(valpn)Cu]³⁺ dinuclear cations produced a single‐chain magnet (SCM) involving stacking interactions of TCNQF^.? radicals (H₂valpn is the Schiff base from the condensation of o‐vanillin with 1,3‐diaminopropane). Static and dynamic magnetic characterizations reveal that the effective energy barrier for the reversal of the magnetization in this hetero‐tri‐spin SCM is significantly larger than the barrier of the isolated single‐molecule magnet based on the {TbCu} dinuclear core.     

Tricolor Luminescence Switching by Thermal and Mechanical Stimuli in the Crystal Polymorphs of Pyridyl‐substituted Fluorene

Stimuli‐responsive organic luminescence‐switching materials have attracted much attention for a decade. Most of the reported examples display a reversible two‐color luminescence switching, and multicolor‐switching materials remain extremely rare. Herein, we report a simple organic molecule, 4,4′‐(9,9‐dimethyl‐9H‐fluorene‐2,7‐diyl)dipyridine ( MFDP ), which exhibits three different crystal polymorphs ( V‐MFDP , B‐MFDP and G‐MFDP ) with different luminescent colors. Furthermore, the three crystal polymorphs show a reversible tricolor fluorescent switching from violet to blue and to green upon physical stimuli. The single‐crystal structures of the three polymorphs were obtained, and the results indicate that the stimuli‐responsive properties of the three polymorphs come from the different stacking modes induced by intermolecular interactions. The competition between weak π–π stacking and weak hydrogen bonding is the main reason for the the phase transformations among the three crystal polymorphs.     

Responsiveness and Morphology Study of Dual Stimuli‐Controlled Supramolecular Polymer

The synthesis and characterization of a linear supramolecular polymer formed by dual host–guest recognitions is presented. The polymer linked by the orthogonal interactions of azobenzene with β‐cyclodextrin and methyl viologen with sulfonatocalix[4]arene is constructed, and the morphology change along with the formation and vanishment of host–guest interaction is investigated. The reversible disassembly–reassembly of the polymer induced by light and the redox process are monitored by UV–vis and cyclic voltammetry, respectively. The interesting morphology differences between the monomer guest (G), supramolecular polymer (P), and light dissembled product pseudorotaxane (D1) are observed and analyzed. G conducts self‐assembly into a short rod with average width of 83 nm due to the molecular amphipathy and π–π interaction between naphthalene nucleuses, while P exhibits 20 nm wide line morphology. Irradiating P with 365 nm light, the corresponding aggregation D1 shows as 35 nm wide short rod.     

CO2‐Induced Spin‐State Switching at Room Temperature in a Monomeric Cobalt(II) Complex with the Porous Nature

CO₂‐responsive spin‐state conversion between high‐spin (HS) and low‐spin (LS) states at room temperature was achieved in a monomeric cobalt(II) complex. A neutral cobalt(II) complex, [Co^II(COO‐terpy)₂]?4 H₂O ( 1?4 H₂O ), stably formed cavities generated via π–π stacking motifs and hydrogen bond networks, resulting in the accommodation of four water molecules. Crystalline 1?4 H₂O transformed to solvent‐free 1 without loss of porosity by heating to 420 K. Compound 1 exhibited a selective CO₂ adsorption via a gate‐open type of the structural modification. Furthermore, the HS/LS transition temperature (T_1/2) was able to be tuned by the CO₂ pressure over a wide temperature range. Unlike 1 exhibits the HS state at 290 K, the CO₂‐accomodated form 1?CO₂ (P =110 kPa) was stabilized in the LS state at 290 K, probably caused by a chemical pressure effect by CO₂ accommodation, which provides reversible spin‐state conversion by introducing/evacuating CO₂ gas into/from 1 .