Equilibration of Imine‐Linked Polymers to Hexagonal Macrocycles Driven by Self‐Assembly

Abstract

Macrocycles based on directional bonding and dynamic covalent bond exchange can be designed with specific pore shapes, sizes, and functionality. These systems retain many of the design criteria and desirable aspects of two‐dimensional (2D) covalent organic frameworks (COFs) but are more easily processed. Here we access discrete hexagonal imine‐linked macrocycles by condensing a truncated analogue of 1,3,5‐tris(4‐aminophenyl)benzene (TAPB) with terephthaldehyde (PDA). The monomers first condense into polymers but eventually convert into hexagonal macrocycles in high yield. The high selectivity for hexagonal macrocycles is enforced by their aggregation and crystallization into layered structures with more sluggish imine exchange. Their formation and exchange processes provide new insight into how imine‐linked 2D COF simultaneously polymerize and crystallize. Solutions of these assembled macrocycles were cast into oriented, crystalline films, expanding the potential routes to 2D materials.

Document Details

Document Type
Pub Defense Publication
Publication Date
Feb 26, 2018
Source ID
10.1002/chem.201800459

Entities

People

  • Anton D. Chavez
  • Austin M Evans
  • Edon Vitaku
  • Lin Chen
  • Nathan C Flanders
  • Ryan P Bisbey
  • William Dichtel

Organizations

  • Argonne National Laboratory
  • Army Research Office
  • Cornell University
  • National Science Foundation
  • Northwestern University
  • Office of Basic Energy Sciences
  • United States Department of Energy

Tags

Fields of Study

  • Chemistry

Readers

  • Materials Science and Engineering.
  • Nanocomposite Materials Science
  • Organic Chemistry