Surface-accessible detection units in self-immolative polymers enable translation of selective molecular detection events into amplified responses in macroscopic, solid-state plastics.

This Communication describes a strategy for incorporating detection units onto each repeating unit of self-immolative CDr polymers. This strategy enables macroscopic plastics to respond quickly to specific applied molecular signals that react with the plastic at the solid-liquid interface between the plastic and surrounding fluid. The response is a signal-induced depolymerization reaction that is continuous and complete from the site of the reacted detection unit to the end of the polymer. Thus, this strategy retains the ability of CDr polymers to provide amplified responses via depolymerization while simultaneously enhancing the rate of response of CDr-based macroscopic plastics to specific applied signals. Depolymerizable poly(benzyl ethers) were used to demonstrate the strategy and now are capable of depolymerizing in the context of rigid, solid-state polymeric materials.