Mechanism of Supramolecular Polymerizations

Translation of Molecular Order to the Macroscopic Level

“…(e) In the mosaic tobacco virus the guest is a RNA molecule hosted within a cavity of a helical-columnar assembly of 2310 tapered proteins. The induction of helicity in the host (16.3 proteins per turn) is visible (refs and ). (f) Reversible covalent network based on Diels–Alder chemistry.…”

“…Growth Anisotropy. In addition to the enhancement of linear growth promoted by a supramolecular nematic phase, growth may be enhanced by higher order macroscopic mesophases and, eventually, by crystallization. , Hexagonal morphologies have been frequently observed in the solid state, for instance, in the case of keratin and a variety of block copolymers (Figure a and b). , These structures may often be conceived as a result of a supramolecular polymerization with the axis of longitudinal, nematic order distinct from that representing the lateral supramolecular organization. ,− In the case of keratin, the longitudinal order corresponds to stacked keratin microfilaments (each composed by eight protofibrils that include strands of α helices). The less ordered matrix is based instead on a conformationally disordered protein rich in cystine residues that eventually form −S–S– linkages.…”

“…23,62 Hexagonal morphologies have been frequently observed in the solid state, for instance, in the case of keratin and a variety of block copolymers (Figure 12a and 12b). 62,63 These structures may often be conceived as a result of a supramolecular polymerization with the axis of longitudinal, nematic order distinct from that representing the lateral supramolecular organization. 38,63−65 In the case of keratin, the longitudinal order corresponds to stacked keratin microfilaments (each composed by eight protofibrils that include strands of α helices 64 ).…”

Programming the Supramolecular Helical Polymerization of Dendritic Dipeptides via the Stereochemical Information of the Dipeptide

“…Supramolecular polymers , are analogues of covalent polymers, wherein monomers are not linked by covalent bonds, but rather by the intermolecular interactions that define the realm of supramolecular chemistry . Like covalent polymers, supramolecular polymers can be classified by their chemical structure and topology and by their mechanism of polymerization. − Supramolecular polymerization is facilitated by intermolecular interactions that mediate the connection between monomers, such as H-bonding, − π−π and donor−acceptor interactions, − ionic interactions, and host−guest interactions . As delineated in a recent review by Meijer, the thermodynamics of linear supramolecular polymerization can be either isodesmic or cooperative/anticooperative.…”

Metallo-supramolecular modules as a paradigm for materials science

“…Metallo-supramolecular coordination polymers can form very high molar masses comparable to those of conventional polymers if the metal ion, the ligand, and the concentration are chosen appropriately. However, this analysis does not take into account additional effects that can occur during assembly, such as the accumulation of charge or the formation of lyotropic phases [41]. If the assemblies carry charge, then additional effects may arise through the polyelectrolyte effect such as ionic-strength-dependent properties.…”