PlumX Metrics
Embed PlumX Metrics

A case of cyclodextrin-catalyzed self-assembly of an amphiphile into microspheres

Soft Matter, ISSN: 1744-683X, Vol: 9, Issue: 32, Page: 7710-7717
2013
  • 12
    Citations
  • 0
    Usage
  • 12
    Captures
  • 0
    Mentions
  • 0
    Social Media
Metric Options:   Counts1 Year3 Year

Metrics Details

  • Citations
    12
    • Citation Indexes
      12
  • Captures
    12

Article Description

One of the recent challenges in nanotechnology is the development of 'catalyzed self-assembly'. So far successful cases are still scarce. In this work we report the delicate case of a cyclodextrin (CD) catalyzed self-assembly of the terthiophene-containing amphiphile TTC4L into microspheres. TT4CL can form precipitates when CDs are not present, whereas it self-assembles into microspheres in the presence of CDs. The CDs were not involved into the microspheres, but they stayed in the supernate in the form of the TTC4L@CD inclusion complex. This complex may further transform into microspheres in the presence of a competitive guest. ITC and H NMR measurements suggest that part of the terthiophene group binds weakly with CDs. We expect that this weak binding interferes with the quick stacking of TTC4L, so that a 'slow' arrangement of the terthiophene moiety becomes possible which finally leads to the formation of microspheres. Our results not only provide a new solid example of a catalyzed molecular self-assembly, but also envisage a new paradigm for the possible role of CDs in supramolecular chemistry. © 2013 The Royal Society of Chemistry.

Bibliographic Details

Provide Feedback

Have ideas for a new metric? Would you like to see something else here?Let us know