Morphological Control of Coil–Rod–Coil
Molecules Containing <i>m</i>‑Terphenyl Group: Construction
of Helical Fibers and Helical Nanorings in Aqueous Solution
Yuntian Yang
Keli Zhong
Tie Chen
Long Yi Jin
10.1021/acs.langmuir.8b01904.s001
https://acs.figshare.com/articles/journal_contribution/Morphological_Control_of_Coil_Rod_Coil_Molecules_Containing_i_m_i_Terphenyl_Group_Construction_of_Helical_Fibers_and_Helical_Nanorings_in_Aqueous_Solution/7010204
Rod–coil molecules,
composed of rigid segments and flexible
coil chains, have a strong intrinsic ability to self-assemble into
diverse supramolecular nanostructures. Herein, we report the synthesis
and the morphological control of a new series of amphiphilic coil–rod–coil
molecular isomers <b>1</b>–<b>2</b> containing
flexible oligoether chains. These molecules are comprised of <i>m</i>-terphenyl and biphenyl groups, along with triple bonds,
and possess lateral methyl or butyl groups at the coil or rod segments.
The results of this study suggest that the morphology of supramolecular
aggregates is significantly influenced by the lateral alkyl groups
and by the sequence of the rigid fragments in the bulk and in aqueous
solution. The molecules with different coils self-assemble into lamellar
or oblique columnar structures in the bulk state. In aqueous solution,
molecule <b>1a</b>, with a lack of lateral groups, self-assembled
into large strips of sheets, whereas exquisite nanostructures of helical
fibers were obtained from molecule <b>1b</b>, which incorporated
lateral methyl groups between the rod and coil segments. Interestingly,
molecule <b>1c</b> with lateral butyl and methyl groups exhibited
a strong self-organizing capacity to form helical nanorings. Nanoribbons,
helical fibers, and small nanorings were simultaneously formed from
the <b>2a</b>–<b>2c</b>, which are structural isomers
of <b>1a</b>, <b>1b</b>, and <b>1c</b>. Accurate
control of these supramolecular nanostructures can be achieved by
tuning the synergistic interactions of the noncovalent driving force
with hydrophilic–hydrophobic interactions in aqueous solution.
2018-08-14 00:00:00
form helical nanorings
solution
helical fibers
methyl groups
molecule 1 b
molecule 1 c
supramolecular nanostructures