Self-assembly can yield complex molecular architectures from simple molecules yet the formation of such extended supramolecular assemblies can be delicate. Slight alteration of conditions or a seemingly small modification of a molecular building block can lead to drastically different results. Robust assemblies are challenging to create and there is much excitement when they respond to external stimuli.

Our group has reported the self-assembly of oligoproline-chromophore conjugates into several morphologies, including fibers, ribbons, nanosheets and woven frameworks.^[1,2] Herein, we will show that the supramolecular weave retains its structure upon addition of functional moieties on the backbone of the oligoproline carrying perylene monoimide chromophores.^[3] As an example, we will present a functional weave for binding of toxic metals. Modification of the chromophore to anthracene allows for both fiber and sheet formation, depending on the distance between π-systems. Upon irradiation with blue light, self-assembled morphologies may change, demonstrating the responsiveness to stimulus upon photocyclization.^[4]

[1] U. Lewandowska, W. Zajaczkowski, L. Chen, F. Bouillière, D. Wang, K. Koynov, W. Pisula, K. Müllen, H. Wennemers, Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 2014, 53, 12537-12541.

[2] U. Lewandowska, W. Zajaczkowski, S. Corra, J. Tanabe, R. Borrmann, E. M. Benetti, S. Stappert, K. Watanabe, N. A. K. Ochs, R. Schaeublin, C. Li, E. Yashima, W. Pisula, K. Müllen, H. Wennemers, Nat. Chem., 2017, 9, 1068-1072.

[3] A. Herdlitschka, T. Da Silva-Ferreira, M. H. Chak, J. F. Woods, E. Engelsberger, B. Lewandowski, H. Wennemers, manuscript to be submitted.

[4] J. F. Woods, H. Wennemers, manuscript in preparation.