From Monomers to Nanocapsules: The Role of Structural Features in Amino-Acid-Derived BTA Self-Assembly

The morphology of supramolecular assemblies can be profoundly influenced by even subtle changes in the molecular structure. In this study, we investigate how variations in amino acid-functionalized benzene-1,3,5-tricarboxamide (BTA) derivatives affect their self-assembly behavior in nonpolar solvents. Specifically, we examine the roles of linker flexibility, steric hindrance introduced by bulky substituents at the 2,4,6-positions, and the nature of the central core (aromatic vs aliphatic). Our results show that these structural changes lead to strikingly different aggregation outcomes, ranging from monomeric species and ill-defined oligomers to well-defined nanocapsules. These findings highlight the importance of precise molecular design in controlling supramolecular self-assembly and demonstrate how specific structural factors dictate the morphology and properties of the resulting materials.