The controlled synthesis of polyglucose in one-dimensional coordination nanochannels

We demonstrate a feasible method for the preparation of polyglucose (PGlc) with controlled structures, where the polymerization of glucose monomers was performed using one-dimensional nanochannels of [La(1,3,5-benzenetrisbenzoate)(H 2 O)] n ( 1 ). Cationic ring-opening polymerization of 1,6-anhydro-β- d -glucose ( levo glucosan) using 1 gave a quasi-linear PGlc, which contrasts highly with the results obtained from conventional polymerizations in bulk and solution. The regulated structure of PGlc prepared using the PCP led to a remarkable improvement in the processability and thermal stability of PGlc, which is useful in applications as a bioplastic. Ring-opening polymerization of 1,6-anhydro-β- d -glucose in one-dimensional nanochannels of a porous coordination polymer gave a quasi-linear polyglucose without cross-linking.