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Updated: Jan 16, 2026

Synthesis of a Thiol Building Block for the Crystallization of a Semiconducting Gyroidal Metal-sulfur Framework
Published on: April 9, 2018
Dual dynamic helical poly(disulfide)s with conformational adaptivity and configurational recyclability
Qi Zhang1,2, Valentin P Nicu3,4, Wybren Jan Buma5,6
1Key Laboratory for Advanced Materials and Joint International Research Laboratory of Precision Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Feringa Nobel Prize Scientist Joint Research Center, Institute of Fine Chemicals, Frontiers Science Center for Materiobiology and Dynamic Chemistry, School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, China. q.zhang@ecust.edu.cn.
Researchers developed a synthetic polymer from amino acids that can reversibly switch between disordered and helical structures. This recyclable polymer system demonstrates dual dynamic control over polymer formation and recycling.
Area of Science:
- Polymer chemistry
- Biomaterials science
- Supramolecular chemistry
Background:
- Biopolymers like proteins and DNA exhibit adaptable structures and reversibility.
- Synthetic systems with dynamic covalent bonds, secondary structure folding, and recyclability are challenging to create.
Purpose of the Study:
- To design a synthetic covalent polymer with dual dynamic capabilities: conformational adaptation and full recyclability.
- To investigate the interplay of noncovalent and dynamic covalent bonds in controlling polymer structure and function.
Main Methods:
- Synthesized a covalent polymer using biologically relevant units (amino acids and disulfies).
- Investigated conformational dynamics between disordered and helical states.
- Analyzed the thermodynamics of the system using a nonlinear van't Hoff equation.
Main Results:
- The synthetic polymer demonstrated reversible switching between disordered and helical conformations.
- The polymer could be fully recycled back to its original small molecule monomers.
- Thermodynamic analysis revealed a nonlinear van't Hoff behavior with a nonzero heat capacity change.
Conclusions:
- A synthetic polymer system exhibiting both conformational dynamics and recyclability was successfully developed.
- The dual dynamic behavior arises from the synergy between hydrogen bonds and dynamic covalent bonds.
- This work provides insights into controlling helical and recyclable polymer formation using dynamic chemical equilibria.
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