Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 7, 2026

Synthesis of Information-bearing Peptoids and their Sequence-directed Dynamic Covalent Self-assembly
Published on: February 6, 2020
How to achieve self-assembly in polar solvents based on specific interactions? Some general guidelines
1Institut für Organische Chemie, Universität Würzburg, Am Hubland, Würzburg, Germany.
Abstract:
In general, self-assembly in polar solutions requires a combination of several non-covalent interactions within one binding motif. Besides the combination of H-bonds and hydrophobic or aromatic stacking interactions, in the last few years H-bonded ion pairs have been proven useful in this context. Also the molecular rigidity and the extent of intra- versus intermolecular interactions within the monomer play an important role in determining the self-assembling properties of a given monomer. We present some general guidelines and illustrative examples of various approaches that have been pursued in the literature before finally concentrating on a case study from our own work, the dimerization of a guanidiniocarbonyl pyrrole carboxylate zwitterion. This zwitterion forms stable dimers with K > 10(9) M(-1) in DMSO and >10(2) M(-1) even in water and can not only be used to study the importance of various non-covalent interactions for self-assembly in polar solvents but also to construct large nanostructures.
Related Concept Videos
Solubility
A solution is a homogeneous mixture composed of a solvent, the major component, and a solute, the minor component. The physical state of a solution—solid, liquid, or gas—is typically the same as that of the solvent. Solute concentrations are often described with qualitative terms such as dilute (of relatively low concentration) and concentrated (of relatively high concentration).
In a solution, the solute particles (molecules, atoms, and/or ions)...
Molecular Shape and Polarity
The Colloidal State
Intermolecular Forces
Solution Formation
This selective solubility...
Entropy and Solvation

