Conjugated macrocycle polymer

A luminescent conjugated macrocycle polymer (CMP), namely, P[5]-TPE-CMP, was first constructed from ditriflate-functionalized pillar[5]arene and a 1,1,2,2-tetrakis(4-ethynylphenyl)ethylene (TPE) linker through Sonogashira–Hagihara cross-coupling reaction. Significantly, in sharp contrast with the corresponding conjugated microporous polymer without synthetic macrocycles, P[5]-TPE-CMP shows an outstanding stability against photobleaching and exhibits highly selective cation sensing capability toward Fe3+ at different excitation wavelengths (both UV and red–near infrared regions). Meanwhile, its fluorescence could also be sufficiently quenched by 4-amino azobenzene, a frequently used organic dye that is certified to be carcinogenic, as compared with a group of common organic compounds. This work paves a new way for enhancing the properties of porous organic polymers through the introduction of supramolecular macrocycles like macrocyclic arenes.

Link to our full story: Li, X.; Li, Z.; Yang, Y.-W.* Adv. Mater. 2018, 30, 1800177. DOI: 10.1002/adma.201800177.