Self-assembled spheres, flowers, and fibers from the same backbone and similar side chains

TitleSelf-assembled spheres, flowers, and fibers from the same backbone and similar side chains
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2017
AuthorsSingh, AKumar, Krishnamoorthy, K
JournalLangmuir
Volume33
Issue46
Pagination13401-13406
Date PublishedNOV
Type of ArticleArticle
AbstractRylene imides (Ms) self-assemble into various nanostructures. Often, the synthesis of unsymmetrical RIs (URIs) is required to achieve nanostructures. However, the synthesis of URIs is nontrivial. Thus, a structurally similar alternative is desirable. iso-Indigo (i-indigo) has a pi core and lactam rings that are structurally similar to the RIs. Unsymmetrical iso-indigo (i-indigo) can be easily synthesized by condensing oxindole and isatin. We have synthesized a series of unsymmetrical i-indigo molecules. In these molecules, the pi-pi interaction, hydrogen bonding, and van der Waals interactions are in operation. Because of these, the molecules self-assemble into spheres, fibers, and dahlia flower morphologies. If the hydrogen bonding interaction is disrupted, then all of them form fibers. Control experiments indicate that the complete absence of hydrogen bonding is deleterious to self-assembly. We also show that the lower analogs of i-indigo are not sufficient to form self-assembled nanostructures.
DOI10.1021/acs.langmuir.7b02728
Type of Journal (Indian or Foreign)Foreign
Impact Factor (IF)3.833
Divison category: 
Polymer Science & Engineering

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