Reversible transformation of helical coils and straight rods in cylindrical assembly of elliptical macrocycles.

We have demonstrated that, as the molecular length of elliptical macrocycle is increased, the self-assembled structure changes from spherical micelles to helical coils and finally to monolayered vesicles, in the order of decreasing interfacial curvature. Notably, the helical coils reversibly transform into straight rods upon heating while maintaining the supramolecular chirality. This structural transition is accompanied by conformational change of the elliptical macrocycles from a boat conformation to a more planar conformation.