Synthesis of a Redox-Responsive Quadruple Hydrogen-Bonding Unit for Applications in Supramolecular Chemistry

A redox-responsive quadruple hydrogen-bonding module (eDAN) has been developed. The strong binding between the reduced form and its partner (DeUG) can be significantly decreased upon oxidation but restored upon subsequent reduction. This on-off switch was successfully applied to provide reversible control of macroscopic supramolecular polymer networks.