Surface-accessible detection units in self-immolative polymers enable translation of selective molecular detection events into amplified responses in macroscopic, solid-state plastics

This Communication describes a strategy for incorporating detection units onto each repeating unit of self-immolative CD_r polymers. This strategy enables macroscopic plastics to respond quickly to specific applied molecular signals that react with the plastic at the solid-liquid interface between the plastic and surrounding fluid. The response is a signal-induced depolymerization reaction that is continuous and complete from the site of the reacted detection unit to the end of the polymer. Thus, this strategy retains the ability of CD_r polymers to provide amplified responses via depolymerization while simultaneously enhancing the rate of response of CD_r-based macroscopic plastics to specific applied signals. Depolymerizable poly(benzyl ethers) were used to demonstrate the strategy and now are capable of depolymerizing in the context of rigid, solid-state polymeric materials.