Controlling the J- and H-Aggregates and Supramolecular Polymerization Pathways of Anthanthrene by Tuning the Hydrogen Bonding Sites

Exploration of new π-conjugated building blocks for construction of supramolecular polymers is at the forefront of self-assembly. Herein, we incorporate a highly planar anthanthrene skeleton into the design of two supramolecular monomers 1 and 2. Their supramolecular polymerization have been comprehensively investigated by spectroscopic studies. Our results reveal that the number and/or position of the amide groups exert pronounced effect on the molecular aggregations and the mechanisms of the supramolecular polymerization. Monomer 1 self-assembles in a cooperative manner to form 1D nanofibers though face-to-face H-type aggregation. In contrast, 2 adopts J-aggregation to form supramolecular polymer via isodesmic mechanism.