Template-induced and molecular recognition directed hierarchical generation of supramolecular assemblies from molecular strands

The linear oligo-isophthalamide strand 1 undergoes a conformational reorgan ization upon binding of a cyanuric acid template as effector to afford a he lical disklike object possessing radially disposed alkyl residues. Solvopho bic and stacking interactions, in turn, drive a "second level" self-assembl y of the templated structure, the stacking of the helical disks, to yield f ibers as revealed by electron microscopy. These data provide insight into t he interplay of the different structural and interactional features of the molecular components towards the formation of supramolecular fibers through sequential hierarchical self-assembly events and suggest design strategies for the effector-controlled generation of related supramolecular assemblie s.