Issue 36, 2017

Inverting substitution patterns on amphiphilic cyclodextrins induces unprecedented formation of hexagonal columnar superstructures

Abstract

Cyclodextrins (CDs) constitute a unique class of macrocycles that possess a truncated cone-shaped cavity. Chemical modifications with simple hydrophobic groups can generate amphiphilic derivatives capable of self-assembling into thermotropic liquid crystals. Without the help of introduced mesogenic functionalities, almost all known amphiphilic CDs form smectic mesophases. Here we report that by inverting the substitution patterns of β-CD derivatives modified with simple hydrophobic chains and oligoethylene (OEG) groups, it is possible to transform the nature of their self-assembly from smectic to columnar thermotropic liquid crystalline phases. This investigation reveals some intriguing properties of CD scaffolds as a unique class of host mesogens. Multi-highly ordered channels were found in the formed hexagonal columnar mesophases that could find potential applications in different fields such as ion transport and conductivity.

Graphical abstract: Inverting substitution patterns on amphiphilic cyclodextrins induces unprecedented formation of hexagonal columnar superstructures

Supplementary files

Article information

Article type
Paper
Submitted
13 Jun 2017
Accepted
13 Jul 2017
First published
13 Jul 2017

J. Mater. Chem. C, 2017,5, 9247-9254

Inverting substitution patterns on amphiphilic cyclodextrins induces unprecedented formation of hexagonal columnar superstructures

P. Champagne, D. Ester, M. Zeeman, C. Zellman, V. E. Williams and C. Ling, J. Mater. Chem. C, 2017, 5, 9247 DOI: 10.1039/C7TC02636F

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