An AB(2)-Type Hyperbranched Supramolecular Polymer Based on Calix[4]Pyrrole Anion Recognition: Construction, Stimuli-Responsiveness, and Morphology Tuning

An AB(2)-type monomer comprised of a calix[4]pyrrole skeleton and alternating bis-carboxylate units is reported and used for the construction of a novel supramolecular hyperbranched polymer based on anion recognition ability of calix[4]pyrrole. H-1-, DOSY-NMR spectroscopy, viscosity measurements, and dynamic light scattering techniques are used for the characterization of the supramolecular hyperbranched polymer exhibiting thermo-, pH-, and chemical responsiveness, as well as concentration dependent morphology tune as inferred from electron microscopy analyses. The present study enriches the field of supramolecular polymers with a new construction motif, building block, and provides a simple approach for the fabrication of smart polymer material with multi-responsiveness and -morphologies.