Reversible Side Chain Modification through Noncovalent Interactions. “Plug and Play” Polymers

Polystyrene-based systems with varying donor−acceptor−donor (D−A−D) hydrogen bonding side chains were synthesized. Recognition interactions between these polymers and guest flavin 5 were studied through 1 H NMR titration experiments. Using these systems, we have shown that the efficiency of recognition between the polymer and guest can be controlled through the choice of recognition element on the polymer by adjusting the balance between intra- and intermolecular interactions. The versatility of this “plug and play” strategy was readily extended to bulk materials. Using spin casting, we kinetically trapped these host−guest complexes in polystyrene films, resulting in highly efficient recognition processes, a key prerequisite for creation of supramolecular devices.