Asymmetric and symmetric bolaform supra-amphiphiles: Formation of imine bond influenced by aggregation

Abstract

A series of bolaform supra-amphilphiles with different symmetries were fabricated through dynamic benzoic imine bond formation. The pH dependence of imine formations of these supra-amphiphiles were characterazied. We found that the extent of the imine formation of these supra-amphiphies were different. The supra-amphiphiles with a poorer symmetry always exhibited a lower imine formation at a given pH. Therefore, the varied extent of imine bond formation indicate the different aggregations of these supra-amphilphiles, which are controlled by the molecular symmetry of the supra-amphiphiles.

Guanglu Wu

Principal Investigator

Research interests: multi-component functional assemblies, noncovalent dimerization, supramolecular catalysis, and smart soft matter