Chemoresponsive Supramolecular Polypseudorotaxanes with Infinite Switching Capability

Chemoresponsive supramolecular systems with infinite switching capability are important for applications in recycled materials and intelligent devices. To attain this objective, here a chemoresponsive polypseudorotaxane is reported on the basis of a bis(p-phenylene)-34-crown-10 macrocycle (H) and a cyano-substituted viologen guest (G). H and G form a [2]pseudorotaxane (H superset of G) both in solution and in the solid state. Upon addition of AgSF6, a polypseudorotaxane (denoted as [H.G.Ag](n)) forms as synergistically driven by host-guest complexation and metal-coordination interactions. [H.G.Ag](n) depolymerizes into a [3]pseudorotaxane (denoted as H-2.G.Ag-2.acetone(2)) upon addition of H and AgSF6, while it reforms with successive addition of G. The transformations between [H.G.Ag](n) and H-2.G.Ag-2.acetone(2) can be switched for infinite cycles, superior to the conventional chemoresponsive supramolecular polymeric systems with limited switching capability.

Automated summary

A chemoresponsive polypseudorotaxane with infinite switching capability is reported based on host-guest complexation and metal-coordination interactions. The system allows for reversible transformation between [H.G.Ag](n) and H-2.G.Ag-2.acetone(2) for infinite cycles, surpassing conventional supramolecular polymeric systems with limited switching capability.