The performance of one-dimensional self-assembled systems in functional organic materials with electronic properties critically depends on the organization and dynamics of the p-conjugated molecular building blocks. Understanding the self-assembly pathways involved in the formation of these supramolecular materials is essential for the ultimate performance. Although studies under thermodynamic and kinetic control have been performed, quantitative insight into the self-assembly pathways of these structures is lacking. In the lecture, we disclose a crucial step in the quantitative understanding of pathway complexity in synthetic homogeneous supramolecular self-assembly of p-conjugated materials. Combining kinetic experiments with the development of a new kinetic model, we unravel two parallel operating, competing aggregation pathways in the homogeneously nucleated growth of helical supramolecular polymers from p-conjugated molecules. By obtaining these kinetic parameters, it is now possible to disclose hidden pathways during supramolecular polymerization processes. These general insights into supramolecular polymerization are crucial for optimizing functional organic materials.

Pathway complexity in the self-assembly of π-conjugated systems

244th National Meeting (2012)

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