Control of polymer solution structure via intra- and intermolecular aromatic stacking

Anthracene-functionalized polymer 1 folds into a compact globular structure in nonpolar media. This folding arises from intramolecular aromatic-aromat ic interactions of the anthracene side chains. Polymer 1 binds strongly to picric acid (2), through donor-acceptor electrostatic interactions between the electron-rich anthracene side chains and the electron-deficient picric acid guests. This binding stabilizes the thermally labile folded conformati on of polymer 1, dramatically altering the temperature dependence of polyme r unfolding.