Calix[4]pyrrole based supramolecular polymers via orthogonal interactions

Abstract

Supramolecular polymers are based on reversible intermolecular interactions. Rather than linking the monomers in the desired arrangement via a covalent of polymerization reaction, the monomers are designed in such a way that they self-assemble autonomously into the desired structure. The type and strength of non-covalent interactions varies, ranging from very weak Van der Waals interactions, π-π stacking, hydrogen bonding, solvophobic interactions to dipole-dipole interactions and very strong metal-ligand or ion-ion interactions. A well-known natural supramolecular system is DNA, whose unique architecture results from cooperative non-covalent interactions, such as multiple hydrogen bonds and hydrophobic interactions. By exploiting the reversibility of the interactions, materials with fascinating properties such as self-healing, shape memory and responsive behaviour can be produced. These materials have been prepared by using cationic guests and the host molecules that can interact with these guests and found various applications in energy, regenerative medicine, nanotechnology, environment and synthetic chemistry. Calix[4]pyrroles are non-conjugated tetrapyrrolic macrocycles capable of binding anions and neutral substrates in organic media via hydrogen bonding. Moreover, upon anion binding, they change their conformation from 1,3-alternate to cone conformation to facilitate the hydrogen bonding. Apart from that, cation-π interaction between appropriate cations and π-electron cloud of cone-shaped calix[4]pyrroles are also well known. Non-covalent and reversible supramolecular interactions provide functional materials within one polymer system. These specific interactions can be designated independently and simultaneously giving orthogonal self-assembly. The aim of this thesis is to synthesize and characterize supramolecular polymers based on anion recognition chemistry of calix[4]pyrroles via orthogonal self-assembly. In this thesis pyrimidinone functionalized calix[4]pyrrole derivative (UPyCP2) and a bis-carboxylate (TBAS) salt were used as host and guest molecules, respectively. Another supramolecular polymeric system was also prepared by host-guest, cation-π and van der Walls interactions that has been built from a bis-calix[4]pyrrole (BisCP) and bis-carboxylate (CTAS) as host and guest moieties, respectively. These supramolecular polymers prepared in an organic solvent and were found tho have thermo-, chemical-responsive behaviour. The above systems have been analyzed by NMR, viscosity measurements and scanninng electron microscopy.