Host–Guest Driven Self‐Assembly of Linear and Star Supramolecular Polymers

Abstract

Supramolecular plasticity: The remarkable host–guest properties of phosphonate cavitands have been exploited in the self-assembly of supramolecular polymers (see picture) that feature guest-triggered reversibility and template-driven conversion from linear into star-branched forms. The structurally similar but complexation-inefficient thiophosphonate cavitand acts as chain stopper to control the degree of polymerization. Supporting information for this article is available on the WWW under http://www.wiley-vch.de/contents/jc_2002/2008/z801002_s.pdf or from the author. Please note: The publisher is not responsible for the content or functionality of any supporting information supplied by the authors. Any queries (other than missing content) should be directed to the corresponding author for the article.