Issue 15, 2021

Polymers with advanced structural and supramolecular features synthesized through topochemical polymerization

Abstract

Polymers are an integral part of our daily life. Hence, there are constant efforts towards synthesizing novel polymers with unique properties. As the composition and packing of polymer chains influence polymer's properties, sophisticated control over the molecular and supramolecular structure of the polymer helps tailor its properties as desired. However, such precise control via conventional solution-state synthesis is challenging. Topochemical polymerization (TP), a solvent- and catalyst-free reaction that occurs under the confinement of a crystal lattice, offers profound control over the molecular structure and supramolecular architecture of a polymer and usually results in ordered polymers. In particular, single-crystal-to-single-crystal (SCSC) TP is advantageous as we can correlate the structure and packing of polymer chains with their properties. By designing molecules appended with suitable reactive moieties and utilizing the principles of supramolecular chemistry to align them in a reactive orientation, the synthesis of higher-dimensional polymers and divergent topologies has been achieved via TP. Though there are a few reviews on TP in the literature, an exclusive review showcasing the topochemical synthesis of polymers with advanced structural features is not available. In this perspective, we present selected examples of the topochemical synthesis of organic polymers with sophisticated structures like ladders, tubular polymers, alternating copolymers, polymer blends, and other interesting topologies. We also detail some strategies adopted for obtaining distinct polymers from the same monomer. Finally, we highlight the main challenges and prospects for developing advanced polymers via TP and inspire future directions in this area.

Graphical abstract: Polymers with advanced structural and supramolecular features synthesized through topochemical polymerization

Article information

Article type
Perspective
Submitted
29 Dez 2020
Accepted
22 Feb 2021
First published
23 Feb 2021
This article is Open Access

All publication charges for this article have been paid for by the Royal Society of Chemistry
Creative Commons BY-NC license

Chem. Sci., 2021,12, 5361-5380

Polymers with advanced structural and supramolecular features synthesized through topochemical polymerization

K. Hema, A. Ravi, C. Raju and K. M. Sureshan, Chem. Sci., 2021, 12, 5361 DOI: 10.1039/D0SC07066A

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