pH-responsive supramolecular polymerization in aqueous media driven by electrostatic attraction-enhanced crown ether-based molecular recognition.

All the previously reported supramolecular polymers based on crown ether-based molecular recognition have been prepared in anhydrous organic solvents. This is mainly due to the weakness of crown ether-based molecular recognition in the presence of water. Here we report a linear supramolecular polymer constructed from a heteroditopic monomer in an aqueous medium driven by crown ether-based molecular recognition through the introduction of electrostatic attraction. In addition, the reversible transition between the linear supramolecular polymer and oligomers is achieved by adding acid and base. This study realizes the breakthrough of the solvent for supramolecular polymerization driven by crown ether-based molecular recognition from anhydrous organic solvents to aqueous media. It is helpful for achieving supramolecular polymerization driven by crown ether-based molecular recognition in a completely aqueous medium.