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Poly[2]catenane Gels Based on Sequential Assembly of Small Molecules
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  • Hanwei Zhang,
  • Jinsa Li,
  • Ziqing Hu,
  • Xiaofan Ji
Hanwei Zhang
Xi'an Rare Metal Materials Institute Co Ltd
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Jinsa Li
Huazhong University of Science and Technology
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Ziqing Hu
Huazhong University of Science and Technology
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Xiaofan Ji
Huazhong University of Science and Technology

Corresponding Author:xiaofanji@hust.edu.cn

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Abstract

Polycatenane gels have attracted extensive attention due to their high degree of freedom and mobility. However, the synthesis of poly[2]catenane gels reported to date all rely on the polymer as the backbone. Herein, we prepared poly[2]catenane gels based on entirely sequential assembly of small molecules. Monomer M1 with two unclosed rings was first prepared, which self-assembled to form supramolecular polymers(SPs) via hydrogen bonding and π-π interactions. Upon adding small molecule monomers M2 and M3 with aldehyde groups, ring closing of SPs occurred due to the amino groups in the SPs reacted with M2 to form imine bonds. In addition, M3, which has twice the number of aldehyde groups as M2, enabled SPs to ring-close, causing the proceeding of crosslinking process at the same time. Thus linear SPs were transformed into poly[2]catenane gel networks. Due to the presence of hydrogen bonds in the poly[2]catenane gel, the gel also possessed stimulus responsiveness and self-healing properties.
25 Apr 2024Submitted to Chinese Journal of Chemistry
26 Apr 2024Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
01 Jun 2024Editorial Decision: Revise Minor
11 Jun 2024Editorial Decision: Accept