Simultaneous SAXS and SANS Analysis for the Detection of Toroidal Supramolecular Polymers Composed of Noncovalent Supermacrocycles in Solution.

Hollamby, MJ; Aratsu, K; Pauw, BR; Rogers, SE; Smith, AJ; Yamauchi, M; Lin, X; Yagai, S

Abstract

Molecular self-assembly primarily occurs in solution. To better understand this process, techniques capable of probing the solvated state are consequently required. Small-angle scattering (SAS) has a proven ability to detect and characterize solutions, but it is rarely applied to more complex assembly shapes. Here, small-angle X-ray and neutron scattering are applied to observe toroidal assemblies in solution. Combined analysis confirms that the toroids have a core-shell structure, with a p-conjugated core and an alkyl shell into which solvent penetrates. The dimensions determined by SAS agree well with those obtained by (dried-state) atomic force microscopy. Increasing the number of naphthalene units in the molecular building block yields greater rigidity, as evidenced by a larger toroid and a reduction in solvent penetration into the shell. The detailed structural analysis demonstrates the applicability of SAS to monitor complex solution-based self-assembly.

Citation

Hollamby, M., Aratsu, K., Pauw, B., Rogers, S., Smith, A., Yamauchi, M., …Yagai, S. (2016). Simultaneous SAXS and SANS Analysis for the Detection of Toroidal Supramolecular Polymers Composed of Noncovalent Supermacrocycles in Solution. Angewandte Chemie International Edition, 128(34), 9890 - 9893. https://doi.org/10.1002/ange.201603370

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: May 13, 2016
• Publication Date: Jul 7, 2016
• Journal: Angew Chem Int Ed Engl
• Print ISSN: 1433-7851
• Publisher: Wiley
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 128
• Issue: 34
• Pages: 9890 - 9893
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/ange.201603370
• Keywords: nanorings, toroids, self-assembly, small-angle scattering, supramolecular chemistry
• Publisher URL: http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/ange.201603370/abstract;jsessionid=837A2302AD887F80675E6E9D59CB9199.f01t01