Work

Hierarchical self-assembly of fluorinated poly-N-heterocyclic carbene pillarplexes with anions

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: The precise control over the hierarchical self-assembly of sophisticated structures with comparable complexities and functions relying on the modulation of basic building blocks is elusive and highly desirable. Here, we report a fluorinated N -heterocyclic carbene (NHC)–based pillarplex with a tunable quaternary structure, employed as an efficient building block for constructing hierarchical superstructures. Initially, multiple noncovalent interactions in the NHC-based pillarplex, particularly those between the fluorinated pillarplex and PF 6 - anions, induce the formation of a supramolecular gel at high concentrations. Additionally, this hierarchical self-assembled structure can be regulated by adjusting anion types, facilitating the controlled transformation from a supramolecular gel into a supramolecular channel upon the introduction of four monocarboxylic acids as anions. The study provides insight into the construction and controlled regulation of superstructures based on NHC-based pillarplexes.

Source: Chinese Chemical Letters

DOI: 10.1016/j.cclet.2024.110624

Authors: Ming-Ming Gan, Zi-En Zhang, Xin Li, F. Ekkehardt Hahn, Ying-Feng Han

Institutions: Northwest University, University of Münster

Language: English

Topic: Supramolecular Self-Assembly in Materials

Subfield: Biomaterials

Field: Materials Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: hybrid

Funders: Northwest University, National Science Fund for Distinguished Young Scholars

Award: G1881015838