Poly[ n ]catenanes: Synthesis of molecular interlocked chains

• DOI: 10.1126/science.aap7675
• Publication Date: 2017-11-30T18:55:26Z
• Authors: Qiong Wu; Phillip M. Rauscher; Xiaolong Lang; Rudy J. Wojtecki; Juan J. de Pablo; Michael J. A. Hore; Stuart J. Rowan
• Keywords: Catenane; Molar mass

As the macromolecular version of mechanically interlocked molecules, polymers are promising candidates for creation sophisticated molecular machines and smart soft materials. Poly[n]catenanes, where chains consist solely macrocycles, contain one highest concentrations topological bonds. We report, herein, a synthetic approach toward this distinctive polymer architecture in high yield (~75%) via efficient ring closing rationally designed metallosupramolecular polymers. Light-scattering, mass spectrometric, nuclear magnetic resonance characterization fractionated samples support assignment high-molar product (number-average molar ~21.4 kilograms per mole) to mixture linear poly[7-26]catenanes, branched poly[13-130]catenanes, cyclic poly[4-7]catenanes. Increased hydrodynamic radius (in solution) glass transition temperature bulk materials) were observed upon metallation with Zn2.