Supramolecular polymers

Multiple hydrogen bonds are used to self-assemble monomeric units into a polymer chain. The strength of the hydrogen bonding patterns used enables the structures to possess materials properties so well known for traditional polymers. However, the reversible character of the bonding between the repeating units offers these supramol. polymers a set of unique properties. A no. of these properties will be discussed showing that what was started as a scientific curiosity is now within the realm of technol. relevance. The easy synthesis of different quadruple hydrogen bonded units, all with their own strength, and hence life time of bonding, makes it possible to investigate the structure-property relationship of supramol. polymers in detail.Where some systems show the well-know ceiling temp. in polymn. (cyclic vs. linear), others exhibit the floor temp. The modification of telechelics with the quadruple-hydrogen bonded units opens the way to tune materials properties, while the synthesis of making copolymers is operational extremely easy, being only mixing the components. Finally, the design of well-defined architectures will be demonstrated. [on SciFinder (R)]