Supramolecular polymerization processes

Supramol. polymers are defined as polymeric arrays of monomeric units that are brought together by reversible and highly directional secondary interactions, resulting in polymeric properties in dil. and concd. solns., as well as in the bulk. Most research in this area is focused on the properties of the polymers made and new binding motives to synthesize them. The mechanism of the supramol. polymn. processes underlying these new polymers is hardly investigated, but of utmost importance to understand the behavior of these supramol. polymers. We will show examples of processes that self-assemble via an isodesmic mechanism and via a nucleation-elongation mechanism. These synthetic systems will be compared with natural systems, while the functional role of the supramol. polymers will be highlighted. [on SciFinder (R)]