The light-induced trans-to-cis-isomerization of a single azobenzene moiety triggers the disintegration of a dimeric tetraurea calix[4]pyrrole capsule.

A homologous series of N,N,N',N'-tetramethylalkyl-N,N'-dioxides is used to probe the level of guest induced fit attainable in the assembly of a dimeric capsule based on tetraurea benzyl calix[4]pyrrole components. A sensible enhancement of the capsule's volume was observed in response to guest size for n = 2, 3, and 4. In turn, larger guests adopted folded conformations to adapt to the capsule's dimensions.

The design and synthesis of functional biomimetic water soluble polymers with a defined secondary structure has been developed using β‐sheet polyisocyanopeptide scaffolds. Water soluble isocyanopolymers were prepared by random copolymerisation of the azido functionalized isocyanopeptides with nonfunctionalised methyl ester isocyanides derived from alanine. Upon saponification of the latter function a rigid rod water soluble polymer was obtained with an accessible azide for postfunctionalization. The potential of these biomimetic polymers was successfully demonstrated by using the click chemistry reaction of these polymers with an acetylene functionalised rhodamine dye. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 47: 4150–4164, 2009

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