Wavy supramolecular polymers formed by hydrogen-bonded rosettes

A barbiturate-functionalized supramolecular monomer bearing an ester-linked biphenyl and azobenzene pi-conjugated core affords wavy supramolecular polymers. The periodic inversion of curvature is due to the conformational rigidity of the monomer and repulsive interactions between rosettes. Photoisomerization of the azobenzene moiety increases the fragility of the main chain without deteriorating its periodic structure.

Automated summary

The barbiturate-functionalized supramolecular monomer with an ester-linked biphenyl and azobenzene pi-conjugated core produces wavy supramolecular polymers, with the periodic inversion of curvature attributed to the conformational rigidity of the monomer and repulsive interactions between rosettes. Furthermore, photoisomerization of the azobenzene moiety increases the fragility of the main chain without compromising its periodic structure.