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  • Focus Review
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Supramolecular assemblies and polymer recognition based on polygonal and pillar-shaped macrocycles “pillar[n]arenes”

Polymer Journal volume 55, pages 1247–1260 (2023)Cite this article

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Abstract

Macrocyclic compounds show highly symmetric structures, making them useful building blocks for the creation of various supramolecular assemblies. The properties of such supramolecular assemblies result from their shape, functionality, and structure. In 2008, we reported a new type of polygonal-shaped macrocycle termed “pillar[n]arenes”. In this Focus Review, based on their polygonal structures, versatile functionality, and host–guest behavior, I present various pillar[n]arene-based supramolecular assemblies that have been investigated over the last 10 years in our group. Based on the versatile functionalization of pillar[n]arenes, continuous and length-controllable discrete one-dimensional channels, two-dimensional sheets, and three-dimensional vesicles have been produced. Bulk-state complexations using liquid and crystalline pillar[n]arenes are also discussed. The functionalization of pillar[n]arenes is also useful for creating functionalized crystals, and such crystals have shown guest-responsive changes in color, state, and water contact angle, as well as serving as reaction media for the spontaneous polymerization of cyclic monomers.

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Funding

Funding

This work was supported by JSPS KAKENHI Grant Numbers JP19H00909 and JP22H00334 (Scientific Research (A), TO), JST CREST Grant Number JPMJCR18R3 (TO), and MEXT World Premier International Research Center Initiative (WPI), Japan.

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  1. Department of Synthetic Chemistry and Biological Chemistry, Graduate School of Engineering, Kyoto University, Nishikyo-ku, Kyoto, 615-8510, Japan

    Tomoki Ogoshi

  2. WPI Nano Life Science Institute, Kanazawa University, Kakuma-machi, Kanazawa, 920-1192, Japan

    Tomoki Ogoshi

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Correspondence to Tomoki Ogoshi.

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Ogoshi, T. Supramolecular assemblies and polymer recognition based on polygonal and pillar-shaped macrocycles “pillar[n]arenes”. Polym J 55, 1247–1260 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41428-023-00815-3

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