Supramolecular polymer chemistry—scope and perspectives

Abstract The connection of molecular monomers through non‐covalent intermolecular interactions leads to the formation of polymolecular entities defining a supramolecular polymer chemistry. The basic features of this field are presented and illustrated by some selected results. Thus, the molecular recognition directed association between monomers bearing complementary hydrogen bonding groups leads to linear supramolecular polymers and liquid crystals. Also, rigid rod, two‐dimensional, metal coordination‐based, side‐chain and cross‐linked supramolecular polymeric entities may be envisaged and several types have been generated. Like supramolecular materials in general, supramolecular polymers are reversible, constitutionally dynamic materials, capable of modifying their constitution by exchanging, recombining, incorporating components. They may present a variety of novel properties and behave as adaptive materials. © 2002 Society of Chemical Industry