Topological polymer chemistry: Designing unusual macromolecular architectures

Abstract

Design and construction of unusual macromolecular architectures including cyclic and multicyclic units have been discussed. A series of cyclic and multicyclic polymer topologies have now been constructed by a newly developed synthetic protocol. This uses linear or star telechelic polymer precursors having moderately strained cyclic ammonium salt end groups and polyfunctional carboxylate counteranions. The electrostatic self-assembly of these polymer precursors in dilution produces topologically unique, non-covalent and temporary constructions. The subsequent covalent conversion process has been performed by the ring opening reaction of cyclic ammonium salt groups by carboxylate counter anions to provide a series of cyclic and multicyclic polymer products in high yields. Furthermore, the dynamic selection in the electrostatic self-assembly of polymer precursors in dilution, as well as the metathesis condensation process with functional cyclic polymer precursors, are promising synthetic means for the design of a variety of complex polymer topologies.