Soluble supramolecular polymers based on urea compounds

N,N'-Dialkylureas, which form intermolecular hydrogen bonds, are interesting precursors in the field of supramolecular chemistry. Particularly, N,N'-di(2-ethylhexyl)urea, which is soluble in nonpolar solvents, was shown by viscosimetry and FTIR spectroscopy to be associated in heptane at concentrations higher than 10 g l(-1). The interactions involved are strongly reinforced by the cooperative association of two urea groups in the case of bis-ureas prepared from 2,4-toluene diisocyanate.