Pseudopolyanions Based on Poly(NIPAAM-co-β-Cyclodextrin Methacrylate) and Ionic Liquids

A fine host: Copolymers from methacrylated β-cyclodextrin and N-isopropylacrylamide form inclusion complexes with anions of ionic liquids (IL; see picture). Complex formation alters the solubility properties of the copolymer, leading to pseudopolyelectrolytes. Turbidity and dynamic light scattering measurements show that, depending on the anion, expansion or contraction of the polymer chain takes place owing to electrostatic effects.