Orthogonally self-assembled multifunctional block copolymers.

We report the synthesis of telechelic poly(norbornene) and poly(cyclooctene) homopolymers by ring-opening metathesis polymerization (ROMP) and their subsequent functionalization and block copolymer formation based on noncovalent interactions. Whereas all the poly(norbornene)s contain either a metal complex or a hydrogen-bonding moiety along the polymer side-chains, together with a single hydrogen-bonding-based molecular recognition moiety at one terminal end of the polymer chain. These homopolymers allow for the formation of side-chain-functionalized AB and ABA block copolymers through self-assembly.

Modular and dynamic functionalization of polymeric scaffolds.

The design and synthesis of multifunctionalized, architecturally controlled polymers is a prerequisite for a variety of future applications of polymeric materials. On the basis of Nature's use of self-assembly in the creation of biomaterials, this Account describes concepts that were developed over the past 5 years that utilize noncovalent interactions such as hydrogen bonding, ionic interactions, electrostatic interactions, metal coordination, and pi-pi stacking in modification of copolymer side-chains to obtain multifunctional polymeric materials, induce polymer morphology changes, and influence bulk-polymer properties.

A practical one-pot synthesis of enantiopure unsymmetrical salen ligands.

A practical, one-pot synthesis of enantiopure unsymmetrical salen ligands is described, using a 1:1:1 molar ratio of a chiral diamine and two different salicylaldehydes. The new synthetic protocol can be readily performed in good yields (60-85%) on a multigram scale with good tolerance toward various functional groups.