Triggering Activity of Catalytic Rod‐Like Supramolecular Polymers

Supramolecular polymers based on benzene‐1,3,5‐tricarboxamides (BTAs) functionalized with an L ‐ or D ‐proline moiety display high catalytic activity towards aldol reactions in water. High turnover frequencies (TOF) of up to 27×10^?4 s^?1 and excellent stereoselectivities (up to 96 % de, up to 99 % ee) were observed. In addition, the catalyst could be reused and remained active at catalyst loadings and substrate concentrations as low as 0.1 mol % and 50 mM , respectively. A temperature‐induced conformational change in the supramolecular polymer triggers the high activity of the catalyst. The supramolecular polymer’s helical sense in combination with the configuration of the proline (L ‐ or D ‐) is responsible for the observed selectivity.