Supramolecular Polymers

This chapter reviews main-chain- and side-chain-functionalized supramolecular polymers that were synthesized by ring-opening metathesis polymerization (ROMP) and acyclic diene metathesis (ADMET) polymerization. The polymers are assembled using directional supramolecular interactions, such as H-bonding, M-L coordination, and inclusion complexation, or a combination thereof. Supramolecular main-chain polymers can be formed using several methods. The simplest way is using a single type of monomer containing groups that can homo-dimerize. Side-chain-functionalized supramolecular polymers via olefin metathesis have emerged as modular targets, owing to the ability of metathesis to install a variety of desirable functional groups. Self-complementary H-bonding motifs have been utilized to form supramolecular polymers. Multifunctional supramolecular block copolymers have been prepared from the self-assembly of two end-group- and side-chain-functionalized polymers. Comprehending the self-assembly behavior of polyrotaxanes and exploiting noncovalent interactions can lead to the integration of internal motion (for example, translation, rotation, scissor-like motion) within supramolecular polymer frameworks.