Supramolecular Polymerization of Triarylamine-Based Macrocycles into Electroactive Nanotubes

International audienceA S6-symmetric triarylamine-based macrocycle (i.e. hexaaza[16]para-cyclophane), decorated with six lateral amide functions, is synthesized by a convergent and modular strategy. This macrocycle is shown to undergo supramolecular polymerization in o-dichlorobenzene, and its nanotubular structure is elucidated by a combination of spectroscopy and microscopy techniques, together with X-ray scattering and molecular modelling. Upon sequential oxidation, a spectroelectrochemical analysis of the supramolecular polymer suggests an extended electronic delocalization of charge carriers both within the macrocycles (through bond) and between macrocycles along the stacking direction (through space)