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Updated: Apr 24, 2026

Controlling the Size, Shape and Stability of Supramolecular Polymers in Water
Published on: August 2, 2012
Dimerization of conjugated radical cations: an emerging non-covalent interaction for self-assembly
Dan-Wei Zhang1, Jia Tian, Lan Chen
1Department of Chemistry, Fudan University, 220 Handan Road, Shanghai 200433 (China), Fax: (+86) 21 6564 1740. ztli@fudan.edu.cn.
Abstract:
Aromatic stacking has played a significant role in the design of discrete supramolecular systems. However, for many years, the stacking of conjugated radical cations has been considered only as a novelty due to its weakness. In recent years, it has been demonstrated that the stacking of conjugated radical cations, particularly those formed by bipyridinium or tetrathiafulvalene, can be enhanced remarkably when they are incorporated into rationally designed, preorganized frameworks or entrapped into a confined space. This Focus Review highlights the recent advance in its application as an emerging non-covalent force for the construction of various supramolecular structures.
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