Effect of spatial configuration on adhesion of 1,2-disubstituted cyclohexane derivatives

Spatial configuration has a significant effect on chemical self-assembly. However, the importance of spatial configuration in supramolecular adhesive materials has been frequently ignored. In this study, the effects of the spatial configuration on cohesion and adhesion were investigated. Owing to the diversities of the chemical structures and assembly patterns, 1,2-disubstituted cyclohexane derivatives were used in this combined experimental and theoretical investigation. The self-sorting assembly of enantiopure isomers improved cohesion but had a negative effect on adhesion. In contrast, racemic mixtures displayed stronger adhesion effects. Moreover, it was proven that the cis-configuration was more favorable for supramolecular adhesion than the trans-counterpart. In addition, the influence of the spatial configuration of 1,2-disubstituted cyclohexane derivatives could be effectively mitigated by hydrogen bond donors or acceptors. The addition of natural acids yielded three-dimensional polymeric networks, in which the spatial configuration was not the decisive factor for supramolecular adhesion.