Conformational and supramolecular properties of main chain and cyclic click oligotriazoles and polytriazoles

This Feature Article gives a summary on the conformational and supramolecular properties of a special type of click molecules, namely, main chain and cyclic oligo- and polytriazoles. The triazole ring is an interesting structural motif since it is a hydrogen bond donor and acceptor, a large molecular dipole and also a metal ligand. It can interact with a wide variety of functionalities, e.g. hydrogen bonding partners (e.g. amides or anions), molecular dipoles, and metal ions to generate many fascinating conformational features such as pseudo rod-like, U-turn, helical, double helical structures, beta-strands and beta-sheets. Oligo-and polytriazoles can also exhibit interesting supramolecular attributes such as host-guest complexation, self assembly, chemosensing and gelating properties. It is believed that many new and unique conformational and supramolecular properties can be created by incorporating the correct type of functional group partners into the oligo-and polytriazole backbone. This type of research can also advance our understanding on functional properties of such triazole-rich compounds.