Science, Vol.283, No.5401, 523-526, 1999
Conversion of supramolecular clusters to macromolecular objects
In a reaction proceeding within a nanoscopic volume, supramolecular clusters were transformed to polymer objects while retaining their shape and size. Spatial isolation of the cross-linkable blocks of oligobutadiene that were involved in this stitching reaction was achieved by self-assembly of the molecules that made up the clusters. Thermal activation of cross-linking yielded macromolecules (molecular weight of 70,000) with a narrow size distribution that was similar to that of the supramolecular clusters. The macromolecules obtained have an anisotropic shape (2 nanometers by 8 nanometers), as determined by electron microscopy and small-angle x-ray scattering, and form materials that exhibit a Liquid crystalline state.
Keywords:STAPHYLOCOCCAL ALPHA-HEMOLYSIN;2-DIMENSIONAL POLYMERS;MOLECULAR RECOGNITION;DENDRIMERS;CHEMISTRY;PORE;POLYBUTADIENE;MUTAGENESIS;COPOLYMERS;RESIDUES