In this article, we report the formation of micelles from a tetrathiafulvalene (TTF) end-functionalized poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (poly(NIPAM)) derivative (1). We have determined the critical aggregation concentration (CAC) and average diameter of the micelles using fluorescence spectroscopy and dynamic light scattering experiments, respectively. We have exploited the NIPAM backbone of the polymer to thermally transform the swollen hydrophilic poly(NIPAM) derivative to a more globular hydrophobic state at the lower critical solution temperature (LCST). Finally, we have shown that we can exploit the chemical oxidation and complexation properties of the TTF unit to disrupt the micelle architecture to release the hydrophobic dye Nile Red from the interior of the micelle.

A new class of polymeric thermometers with a memory function is reported that is based on the supramolecular host–guest interactions of poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAM) with side‐chain naphthalene guest moieties and the tetracationic macrocycle cyclobis(paraquat‐p‐phenylene) (CBPQT4+) as the host. This supramolecular thermometer exhibits a memory function for the thermal history of the solution, which arises from the large hysteresis of the thermoresponsive LCST phase transition (LCST=lower critical solution temperature). This hysteresis is based on the formation of a metastable soluble state that consists of the PNIPAM–CBPQT4+ host–guest complex. When heated above the transition temperature, the polymer collapses, and the host–guest interactions are disrupted, making the polymer more hydrophobic and less soluble in water. Aside from providing fundamental insights into the kinetic control of supramolecular assemblies, the developed thermometer with a memory function might find use in applications spanning the physical and biological sciences.