Control of supramolecular structures of poly(trimethyleneimine) salts by complexation with BzPybox

We previously reported that 2,6-bis(2-oxazolyl)pyridine (Pybox) forms the complexes with secondary dialkylammonium cations at 1:1 stoichiometries. In this report, we present preparation and complex formation of Bzpybox complexes with poly(trimethylene- iminium) salt (PTMI). Macrocyclic BzPybox 1 was used for immobilization of PTMI on Au or mica surface. AFM observation on mica presented that the polymer complexes only have the linear morphology. The compelxation between PTMI and 1 should arrange 1 into the 1D structure. Moreover, complexation of PTMI with bi-functional BxPybox 2 provides physically cross-linked gels. Trans-cis isomerization of the azobenzene group by photo-irradiation and by heat was induced sol-gel phase transition. The supramolecular structures of PTMI were controlled by the complexation with various BzPybox derivatives.