In recent years, crystalline-driven self-assembly (CDSA) has emerged as a powerful strategy for constructing well-defined nanostructures, particularly in block copolymers (BCPs). However, its application remains largely confined to BCP systems, with limited exploration in alternating copolymers (ACPs), especially main-chain-type ACPs. This work introduces a novel concept—reduction-induced crystallization-driven self-assembly (RI-CDSA)—by incorporating perfluorocarbon chains into main-chain-type liquid crystalline ACPs via step transfer-addition and radical-termination (START) polymerization. The resulting copolymer, CFCI666, features periodic C–I bonds along the backbone. Upon iodine reduction, these C–I bonds are eliminated, leading to a dramatic morphological transformation from one-dimensional (1D) lines to two-dimensional (2D) platelets in toluene. This transition is driven by the formation of highly ordered crystalline domains in the reduced product, CFC666, which enables CDSA through a folded-chain mechanism. The folded-chain model was validated through X-ray diffraction (XRD), small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS), atomic force microscopy (AFM), and density functional theory (DFT) calculations.Cytokeratin 10 Antibody Technical Information XRD revealed a sharp reflection at 2θ = 4.68° corresponding to a d-spacing of 18.88 Å, consistent with the folded chain length. SAXS data showed additional reflections at q = 2.23 nm⁻¹ (d = 27.08 Å) and lower q peaks indicative of lamellar organization. AFM height profiles confirmed the bilayer structure with thicknesses near 6 nm and 4 nm, aligning with the predicted single-layer height of ~2 nm. UV-vis spectroscopy demonstrated a red-shifted absorption band upon cooling, indicating J-aggregation of conjugated segments, further supporting the stacked architecture. The solubility-driven assembly of CFCI666 yielded 1D lines due to poor solubility of fluorinated alkyl chains and phase separation.Ube2B Antibody medchemexpress In contrast, after reduction, the removal of bulky C–I bonds enhances chain flexibility and reduces steric hindrance, enabling tight packing of fluorinated segments into crystalline cores.PMID:34852184 DSC and SAXS results confirm increasing crystallinity with higher reduction degree. These findings establish RI-CDSA as a new paradigm for directing self-assembly in main-chain ACPs, offering a route to engineer complex 2D architectures through post-polymerization modification. This study not only expands the scope of ACP self-assembly but also provides a design principle for responsive, stimuli-responsive nanomaterials based on controlled crystallization.MedChemExpress (MCE) offers a wide range of high-quality research chemicals and biochemicals (novel life-science reagents, reference compounds and natural compounds) for scientific use. We have professionally experienced and friendly staff to meet your needs. We are a competent and trustworthy partner for your research and scientific projects.Related websites: https://www.medchemexpress.com
