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Simultaneous SAXS and SANS Analysis for the Detection of Toroidal Supramolecular Polymers Composed of Noncovalent Supermacrocycles in Solution
Author(s) -
Hollamby Martin J.,
Aratsu Keisuke,
Pauw Brian R.,
Rogers Sarah E.,
Smith Andrew J.,
Yamauchi Mitsuaki,
Lin Xu,
Yagai Shiki
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
angewandte chemie international edition
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 5.831
H-Index - 550
eISSN - 1521-3773
pISSN - 1433-7851
DOI - 10.1002/anie.201603370
Subject(s) - toroid , small angle x ray scattering , materials science , scattering , chemical physics , polymer , small angle neutron scattering , supramolecular chemistry , neutron scattering , solvation shell , crystallography , solvent , solvation , chemistry , optics , physics , composite material , organic chemistry , plasma , crystal structure , quantum mechanics
Molecular self‐assembly primarily occurs in solution. To better understand this process, techniques capable of probing the solvated state are consequently required. Small‐angle scattering (SAS) has a proven ability to detect and characterize solutions, but it is rarely applied to more complex assembly shapes. Here, small‐angle X‐ray and neutron scattering are applied to observe toroidal assemblies in solution. Combined analysis confirms that the toroids have a core–shell structure, with a π‐conjugated core and an alkyl shell into which solvent penetrates. The dimensions determined by SAS agree well with those obtained by (dried‐state) atomic force microscopy. Increasing the number of naphthalene units in the molecular building block yields greater rigidity, as evidenced by a larger toroid and a reduction in solvent penetration into the shell. The detailed structural analysis demonstrates the applicability of SAS to monitor complex solution‐based self‐assembly.