MULTIPHASE SELF-ASSEMBLY OF 5-ALKOXYISOPHTHALIC ACID AND ITS APPLICATIONS

A summary of our recent studies on multiphase self-assembly of 5-alkox yisophthalic acid (C(n)ISA) as a versatile molecular building block is described. An interplay of weak interactions such as hydrogen bonding and van der Waals forces (alkyl chain crystallization) is the key fac tor in achieving and controlling the multiphase self-assembly of CnISA s. Self-assembly of pure acids and its stoichiometric mixtures with bi functional diazines in the solid state is described with typical examp les. Supramolecular structures observed at the solid-solution interfac e (2D crystals) show characteristic similarities and differences with the structures observed in the 3D crystal lattices. CnISAs with n > 16 exhibit thermotropic behavior. An overview of the important features of the mesophase is also discussed. The self-assembly in solution lead s to a cyclic structure similar to the one observed in the single crys tal lattice of CnISAs with shorter alkyl chains (n = 6-10). Towards de signing a functional supramolecular system, properly functionalized Cn ISAs are used and the analysis of the results from their photophysical studies at the solid-solution interface is discussed.