title: High degree of polymerization in a fullerene-containing supramolecular polymer.
abstract: Supramolecular polymers based on dispersion forces typically show lower molecular weights (MW) than those based on hydrogen bonding or metal-ligand coordination. We present the synthesis and self-assembling properties of a monomer featuring two complementary units, a C60 derivative and an exTTF-based macrocycle, that interact mainly through π-π, charge-transfer, and van der Waals interactions. Thanks to the preorganization in the host part, a remarkable log K(a)=5.1±0.5 in CHCl3 at room temperature is determined for the host-guest couple. In accordance with the large binding constant, the monomer self-assembles in the gas phase, in solution, and in the solid state to form linear supramolecular polymers with a very high degree of polymerization. A MW above 150 kDa has been found experimentally in solution, while in the solid state the monomer forms extraordinarily long, straight, and uniform fibers with lengths reaching several microns.
authors.affiliation: Departamento de Química Orgánica, Fac. C.C. Químicas, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Av. Complutense s/n, 28040 Madrid (Spain) http://www.ucm.es/info/fullerene/
authors.forename: Helena
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Isla
authors.forename: Emilio M
authors.initials: EM
authors.lastname: Pérez
authors.forename: Nazario
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Martín
keywords: fullerenes; host-guest systems; self-assembly; supramolecular polymers; π interactions