Solvent choice controls how self-assembling molecules organize, study shows
Researchers discovered that the type of solvent dramatically changes how flexible molecules align during self-assembly, even though their underlying structure remains unchanged. The finding could guide manufacturers designing new materials for pharmaceuticals, electronics, and other industries where molecular organization directly determines product performance.
Originaltitel: Consequences of conformational flexibility in hydrogen-bond-driven self-assembly processes
<p>We report the synthesis and self-assembly of chiral, conformationally flexible C-3-symmetrical trisamides. A strong Cotton effect is observed for the supramolecular polymers in linear alkanes but not in cyclic alkanes. MD simulations suggest 2:1 conformations of the amides within the aggregates in both types of solvents, but a chiral bias in only linear alkanes.</p>