Dendronized supramolecular polymers.

Supramolecular polymers formed from topological building blocks pave a new avenue for creating novel supramolecular structures and functional materials. Dendronized supramolecular polymers (DSPs) combine the topological characteristics of dendronized polymers and a dynamic nature from supramolecular chemistry, and are promising for the formation of supramolecular structures and functional assemblies. These topological supramolecular polymers have a characteristic cylindrical shape, high rigidity, multivalency, as well as inherent thickness. These structural characteristics make them ideal candidates for supramolecular assembly. DSPs can be formed through non-covalent interactions, such as hydrogen bonding, π-π stacking, and metal coordination, and classified into main-chain, side-chain and block types. This feature article will summarize methodologies for the preparation of homo- and block DSPs with a focus on their supramolecular structure formation. Particular attention is put on the structural effects of DSPs on their supramolecular assembly.