Shape-persistent macrocycles: from molecules to materials.

Shape-persistent macrocycles with an interior in the nanometer regime allow the attachment of (functional) side groups at defined positions at the ring. These side groups can have either a fixed orientation relative to the molecular backbone or they can adapt their orientation according to an external stimulus. The properties and applications of the compounds depend strongly on the orientation of these side groups. Macrocycles with intraannular or adaptable long alkyl groups display a new design principle for discotic liquid crystals. Macrocycles with extraannular (oligo)alkyl groups can be used for surface patterning in the nanometer regime and rings with extraannular oligostyryl groups are able to aggregate to supramolecular hollow polymer brushes.