Stimuli-Responsive Conjugated Organic Macrocycles-Based Smart Materials

Abstract

Stimuli-responsive conjugated organic smart macrocycles (COSMs) are arousing increasing interest by virtue of their unique stimuli-responsive structure and properties. In this review, we firstly highlight the recent developments of stimuli-responsive conjugated organic macrocycles beyond organometallic compounds, calix[n]arenes, and pillar[n]arenes, where the design strategies, exciting properties and stimuli-responsive mechanisms are discussed. Comprehensive coverage is given for the stimuli-responsive behaviors of representative COSMs, which are categorized into photo-, thermal-, solvent-, chemical-, ion-, pH-, force-, and redox-responsive COSMs. We will also discuss the current achievement, limitation, and challenge currently in this field, as well as future opportunity and inspiration for further research. We expect this summary to inspire more innovative research on COSMs as well as their further advanced application in supramolecular chemistry and smart materials.