Sequence-Isomerism-Controlled Macromolecular Self-Assembly in Dendritic Rod-Like Molecules

Area of Science:

• Synthetic polymer chemistry
• Supramolecular chemistry
• Materials science

Background:

• Sequence control is crucial for tuning biomacromolecule structure and function.
• Precision synthesis challenges hinder sequence control in synthetic macromolecules.
• Understanding structure-property relationships in macromolecular sequence isomerism is limited.

Purpose of the Study:

• To achieve sequence-controlled macromolecular self-assembly in synthetic systems.
• To explore the impact of sequence isomerism on supramolecular structure.
• To develop a modular approach for creating diverse nanostructures.

Main Methods:

• Design and synthesis of a pair of isomeric dendritic rod-like molecules.
• Characterization of molecular solid angle based on building block sequence.
• Analysis of self-assembled supramolecular motifs and their packing.

Main Results:

• Identical chemical formula and topology but different molecular solid angles for isomers.
• Generation of distinct supramolecular motifs: discs and spheres.
• Formation of hexagonally packed cylinder and dodecagonal quasicrystalline sphere phases.

Conclusions:

• Sequence isomerism in dendritic rod-like molecules effectively controls self-assembly.
• This approach enables the creation of diverse nanostructures from synthetic macromolecules.
• Offers a new pathway for designing complex macromolecular architectures.