Sequence-complementarity dependent co-assembly of phosphodiester-linked aromatic donor-acceptor trimers

We have created sequenced phosphoester-linked trimers of aromatic donor/acceptors which participate in charge-transfer interactions. Each sequence displays characteristic self-assembly, and complementary sequences interact with each other to produce new nanostructures and thermochromism. This paves the way towards new functional nanomaterials which make bio-analogous use of sequence to tune structure. Sequence-defined trimers of phosphodiester-linked aromatic donor-acceptors self-assemble according to monomer order, and co-assemble into new structures with their complementary sequence.