Supramolecular Polymer Materials: Chain Extension of Telechelic Polymers Using a Reactive Hydrogen-Bonding Synthon

Functionalizing the termini of low-molecular-weight telechelic polymers with strongly associating hydrogen bonding units (see Figure) results in a new set of supramolecular materials, as reported here. These materials possess the unique combination of polymer-like properties at room temperature and monomer-like properties at elevated temperatures.