Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 10, 2026

Controlling the Size, Shape and Stability of Supramolecular Polymers in Water
Published on: August 2, 2012
Redirecting Excited-State Proton Transfer Through Supramolecular Polymerization in Nanoconfinement
Luis C Pantaleone1, Robert Hutchings1, Bente Reus1
1Stratingh Institute for Chemistry, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands.
None:
The photoluminescence of photoacids in supramolecular assemblies provides crucial insights into proton transfer (PT) processes within biologically relevant confinement. In this work, we present a strategy to activate intermolecular excited-state PT within the hydrophobic cavities of cyclodextrin-based nanotubes. Activation is achieved using a specifically designed amphoteric emitter which undergoes a pKa inversion in the photoexcited state. Despite this photophysical behavior, intramolecular PT does not occur due to the spatial separation between the proton donor and acceptor sites in the compound. However, in the presence of γ-cyclodextrin, the photoacid assembles into guest pairs, enabling pre-organized PT between neighboring molecules. The effects of confinement on photostability, emission lifetime, and quantum yield indicate a mechanistic shift from excited-state protolytic dissociation to intermolecular excited-state PT. Spectroscopic investigation of the assembly mechanism and solvent isotope effect further supports the role of a template effect, reminiscent of enzymatic activation, in facilitating PT in the excited state.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Cationic Chain-Growth Polymerization: Mechanism
Anionic Chain-Growth Polymerization: Mechanism
Ziegler–Natta Chain-Growth Polymerization: Overview
ATP and Macromolecule Synthesis
Most macromolecules are composed of single subunits, or building blocks, called monomers. The monomers combine with each other using covalent bonds to form larger molecules known as polymers.
Conversion of...
Polymers
Anionic Chain-Growth Polymerization: Overview

