Supramolecular polymers

  A supramolecular polymer is a polymer whose monomer repeat units are held together by noncovalent bonds. Non-covalent forces that hold supramolecular polymers together include coordination, π-π interactions, and hydrogen bonding. One system that has been demonstrated uses quadruple hydrogen bonds to form supramolecular polymers. Functionalization of polymers with the quadruple hydrogen bonding unit from the Meijer group introduces reversible cross-links and a virtual increase in the polymer’s molecular weight. In general, polymers with a higher molecular weight possess better material properties.