Surface-accessible detection units in self-immolative polymers enable translation of selective molecular detection events into amplified responses in macroscopic, solid-state plastics

Kimy Yeung, Hyungwoo Kim, Hemakesh Mohapatra, Scott T. Phillips

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

56 Scopus citations

Abstract

This Communication describes a strategy for incorporating detection units onto each repeating unit of self-immolative CDr polymers. This strategy enables macroscopic plastics to respond quickly to specific applied molecular signals that react with the plastic at the solid-liquid interface between the plastic and surrounding fluid. The response is a signal-induced depolymerization reaction that is continuous and complete from the site of the reacted detection unit to the end of the polymer. Thus, this strategy retains the ability of CDr polymers to provide amplified responses via depolymerization while simultaneously enhancing the rate of response of CDr-based macroscopic plastics to specific applied signals. Depolymerizable poly(benzyl ethers) were used to demonstrate the strategy and now are capable of depolymerizing in the context of rigid, solid-state polymeric materials.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)5324-5327
Number of pages4
JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society
Volume137
Issue number16
DOIs
StatePublished - 29 Apr 2015

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