Functional 2,2':6',2''-Terpyridine-Containing Metallopolymers

The development of supramolecular chemistry has paved the way for assembling small molecules into complex polymeric architectures through specific directed secondary interactions. These supramolecular polymers feature many of the valuable properties of conventional (covalent) organic macromolecules, but the reversibility of bonds in supramolecular polymers can additionally be utilized, e.g., for adjusting the properties of such ''living systems'' by external stimuli. One of the most promising non-covalent interaction is the metal ion complexation by N-heterocyclic ligands, in particular using 2,2':6',2''-terpyridine. The connection of 4'-substituted terpyridines at both sides of a rigid -conjugated spacer molecule results in bisterpyridines, which can be used as monomers for metallopolymerizations.