The transformation of individual conjugated polymers (CPs) into highly ordered self-assembled structures could introduce entirely new and unique structure-dependent properties. The self-assembly of CPs is highly dependent on the structure of the hydrophobic conjugated backbone. To explore the backbone-dependent aggregation, four different cationic CPs bearing poly(<i>p</i>-phenyleneethynylene)s (PPE) and poly(<i>p</i>-phenylenebutadiynylene)s (PPB) backbone connectivities were synthesized with and without incorporation of a non-conjugated flexible linker into the backbone, respectively. Self-assembly behaviors of these CPs upon complexation with a linear polyanion, hyaluronic acid (HA), in an aqueous environment were investigated using various techniques including NMR, UV-Vis, and fluorescence spectroscopies. Unique photophysical properties were observed upon complexation with HA, demonstrating different aggregation behaviors that are dependent on polymeric backbone structures. The structure-properties relationships will help designing highly ordered polymeric macromolecules for various applications.

Backbone-dependent, self-assembly behaviors of phenylene-based, cationic conjugated polymers

251st National Meeting (2016)

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.