Supramolecular amphiphiles.

Supramolecular amphiphiles (SA), also named superamphiphiles, refer to amphiphiles that are formed by non-covalent interactions. This tutorial review focuses on the molecular architectures of SAs, including diversified topologies such as single chain, double chain, bolaform, gemini and rotaxane types. Non-covalent syntheses that have been employed to fabricate SAs are driven by hydrogen bonding, electrostatic attraction, host-guest recognition, charge transfer interaction, metal coordination and so on. It should be noted that SAs can be either small organic molecules or polymers. SAs allow for tuning of their amphiphilicity in a reversible fashion, leading to controlled self-assembly and disassembly. This line of research has been enriching traditional colloid chemistry and current supramolecular chemistry, and the application of SAs in the field of functional supramolecular materials is keenly anticipated.