One-pot synthesis and AFM imaging of a triangular aramide macrocycle.

Macrocyclizations in exceptionally good yields were observed during the self-condensation of N-benzylated phenyl p-aminobenzoates in the presence of LiHMDS to yield three-membered cyclic aramides that adopt a triangular shape. An ortho-alkyloxy side chain on the N-benzyl protecting group is necessary for the macrocyclization to occur. Linear polymers are formed exclusively in the absence of this Li-chelating group.

Controlling molecular self-assembly on an insulating surface by rationally designing an efficient anchor functionality that maintains structural flexibility.

Molecular self-assembly on surfaces is dictated by the delicate balance between intermolecular and molecule-surface interactions. For many insulating surfaces, however, the molecule-surface interactions are weak and rather unspecific. Enhancing these interactions, on the other hand, often puts a severe limit on the achievable structural variety.

Solubility and aggregation behavior of dendronized poly(p-benzamide)s.

A series of Fréchet dendronized poly(p-benzamide)s have been synthesized. To attach the dendron-functionalities to the poly(p-benzamide) backbone, a propargyl side chain was introduced to p-aminobenzoic acid. Then, copper catalyzed azide-alkyne cycloaddition was used to click a first generation (G(1)), respectively, a second generation (G(2)) Fréchet-dendron azide onto the amino acid monomer.