Controllable Supramolecular Polymerization through Host–Guest Interaction and Photochemistry

A new method for controllable supramolecular polymerization based on ABBA type monomer and cucurbit[8]uril monomer through host–guest interaction and photochemistry is reported. The molecular weight and polydispersity of supramolecular polymers can be well controlled by tuning the molar ratio of these host and guest monomers or by tuning the isomer ratio of azobenzene groups in the guest monomers upon the competitive irradiation of lights. This research provides a general methodology for the control of supramolecular polymerization and the structure of supramolecular polymers.