A straightforward approach for one-pot synthesis of noncovalently connected graft copolymers with unique self-assembly nanostructures

Abstract

A novel and facile approach for the synthesis of noncovalently connected polymers relying on host–guest interactions and acyclic diene metathesis (ADMET) polymerization in one-pot is described. Three different α,ω-diene monomers with adamantine moiety (Ad-diene) were first fabricated, and then all the reagents (modified β-CD, Ad-diene monomer, and Grubbs-type catalyst) were added to one pot. Efficient complexation between β-CD and the Ad moieties, followed by or alongside ADMET polymerization, yielded the linear polyolefin with supramolecular pendants or amphiphilic supramolecular graft copolymers, depending on the type and structure of the modified β-CD. The obtained noncovalently connected polymers further self-assembled into supramolecular nanostructures in aqueous solution, which were detailedly investigated by AFM and TEM. The results revealed that these supramolecular nanostructures displayed diverse morphologies going through spherical, circular, shuttle-like, and circular chainlike assemblies.