Dynamic Covalent Bond Based on Reversible Photo [4+4] Cycloaddition of Anthracene for Construction of Double-Dynamic Polymers

Dynamic covalent bonds supplied by reversible anthracene dimerization were combined with pillar[5]arene/imidazole host-guest interactions to construct double-dynamic polymers. Heating such polymers (in solution or as a gel) led to depolymerization by dissociation of either the host-guest complexes alone or the complexes and the anthracene dimers, depending on the extent of heating. The polymers reformed readily upon cooling or irradiation.