A pillar[5]arene-based anion responsive supramolecular polymer

An AB-type heteroditopic monomer was prepared by incorporating a dialkylammonium salt into a copillar[5]arene prepared from the co-oligomerization of 1-(10-bromodecyloxy)-4-methoxybenzene and 1,4-dimethoxybenzene. Based on the self-assembly of this new monomer in chloroform, a linear supramolecular polymer formed. The formation of the supramolecular polymer was characterized by various techniques including H-1 NMR, NOESY, DOSY, specific viscosity and SEM. This supramolecular polymer was anion responsive, since the self-assembly of the monomers could be destroyed by the addition of chloride anions. This study provides an efficient and convenient strategy to control the formation of supramolecular polymers.