Open AccessVisualizing molecular weights differences in supramolecular polymers
Author(s) -
Qingyun Li,
Hanwei Zhang,
Kai Lou,
Yabi Yang,
Xiaofan Ji,
Jintao Zhu,
Jonathan L. Sessler
Publication year - 2022
Publication title -
proceedings of the national academy of sciences of the united states of america
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 5.011
H-Index - 771
eISSN - 1091-6490
pISSN - 0027-8424
DOI - 10.1073/pnas.2121746119
Subject(s) - supramolecular chemistry , polymer , computational biology , chemistry , computer science , biology , molecule , organic chemistry
Significance Molecular weight determinations play a vital role in the characterization of supramolecular polymers. They are essential to assessing the degree of polymerization, which in turn can have a significant impact on the properties of the polymer. While numerous characterization methods have been developed to estimate the number-average molecular weight (M n ) of supramolecular polymers, a simple visual method could provide advantages in terms of ease of use. We have now developed a system wherein differences in the fluorescent signature, including changes in color, allow variations in theM n of an anion-responsive supramolecular polymer [M1·Zn(OTf)2 ]n to be readily monitored. The present visual differentiation strategy provides a tool that may be used to characterize supramolecular polymers.