A Coformer Approach for Supramolecular Polymerization at High Concentrations.

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Supramolecular Chemistry

Background:

• Polymorphism can limit the solution-based processing of functional molecules, including supramolecular polymers.
• Inhibiting insoluble polymorph formation is crucial for effective processing.

Purpose of the Study:

• To demonstrate solubility enhancement of a barbiturate π-conjugated compound using a coformer approach.
• To synthesize supramolecular polymers through co-aggregation of modified monomers.

Main Methods:

• Synthesized a novel supramolecular coformer molecule with a sterically hindered π-conjugated unit.
• Utilized co-aggregation to inhibit the formation of insoluble crystalline polymorphs.
• Co-polymerized the parent molecule and coformer into helicoidal supramolecular polymers.

Main Results:

• The coformer molecule successfully enhanced the solubility of the parent barbiturate compound in nonpolar solvents.
• The coformer inhibited the formation of tape-like hydrogen-bonded arrays, preventing insolubility.
• Helicoidal supramolecular polymers were successfully formed through heteromeric rosettes.

Conclusions:

• The coformer strategy effectively overcomes solubility limitations in π-conjugated systems.
• This method enables the controlled formation of complex supramolecular polymer architectures.
• The approach holds promise for solution-based processing of functional supramolecular materials.