Nucleobase-induced supramolecular polymerization in the solid state

Supramolecular polymerization, that is, the self-assembly of polymer-like materials through the utilization of the noncovalent bond, has been a developing area of research over the last decade. In this article, we report the synthesis of nucleobase-terminated (N-6-anisoyl-adenine and thymine) low-molecular-weight poly(tetrahydrofuran) macromonomers (<2000 g mol(-1)). The adenine-derived supramolecular telechelic polymer self-assembled in the solid state to yield materials with film and fiber-forming capabilities. This material was thermally reversible and exhibited a ceiling temperature, above which a drop in viscosity was observed and fibers could no longer be obtained. (C) 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.