Sequence-defined macromolecules are uniform structures with a perfectly defined sequence of monomer units and an exact chain-length. Most prominent examples are natural biomacromolecules, e.g. DNA, RNA, or peptides, which enable complex natural processes and can be synthesized via optimized automated reaction protocols. In our group, we focus on the preparation of non-natural sequence-defined macromolecules using iterative reaction cycles, often including multicomponent reactions (MCRs). The products are examined for their structure-property relationships and can be used in fields of e.g. catalysis, foldamers, data storage or drug delivery systems.

Working on this topic: Philipp Bohn, Qianyu Cai, Hendrik Kirchhoff, Till Paha

Recent publications

Wegelin, S.; Meier, M. A. R. (2023). Solution Self‐Assembly of Branched Macromolecules Obtained via Iterative OPE Synthesis and the Passerini Three‐Component Reaction. Macromolecular Chemistry and Physics. doi:10.1002/macp.202300337

Bohn, P.; Hirschberg, V.; Buchheiser, S.; Moatsou, D.; Nirschl, H.; Meier, M. A. R. (2023). Synthesis and characterization of uniform OCL-OEG block cooligomers. Polymer Chemistry, 14 (41), 4765–4773. doi:10.1039/D3PY01052J

Earlier fundamental contributions

Wetzel, K. S.; Frölich, M.; Solleder, S. C.; Nickisch, R.; Treu, P.; Meier, M. A. R. (2020). Dual sequence definition increases the data storage capacity of sequence-defined macromolecules. Communications chemistry, 3 (1), Art. Nr.: 63. doi:10.1038/s42004-020-0308-z

Solleder, S. C.; Schneider, R. V.; Wetzel, K. S.; Boukis, A. C.; Meier, M. A. R. (2017). Recent Progress in the Design of Monodisperse, Sequence-Defined Macromolecules. Macromolecular rapid communications, 38 (9), 1600711. doi:10.1002/marc.201600711

Solleder, S. C.; Meier, M. A. R. (2014). Sequence Control in Polymer Chemistry through the Passerini Three-Component Reaction. Angewandte Chemie - International edition, 53 (3), 711–714. doi:10.1002/anie.201308960

Due to their extended π-conjugation, conjugated oligomers exhibit interesting properties like light emission or stiffness, which are useful for optical and electronic applications including organic solar cells, light-emitting diodes (LEDs), molecular wires or biosensors. In our group, we focus on the preparation of uniform rod-like macromolecules such as OPEs via decarboxylation or Sonogashira coupling reactions. By variation of the attached side chains, electron donating or accepting properties can be achieved. Therefore, the knowledge of the electronic properties of the ground and excited states is important and can be obtained by applying density functional theory (DFT) and time-dependent density functional theory (TDDFT) calculations.

Working on this topic: Qianyu Cai, Hendrik Kirchhoff, Till Paha

Recent publications

Wegelin, S.; Meier, M. A. R. (2023). Solution Self‐Assembly of Branched Macromolecules Obtained via Iterative OPE Synthesis and the Passerini Three‐Component Reaction. Macromolecular Chemistry and Physics. doi:10.1002/macp.202300337

Hahn, D.; Schneider, R. V.; Foitzik, E.; Meier, M. A. R. (2021). A Practical and Efficient Synthesis of Uniform Conjugated Rod‐Like Oligomers. Macromolecular rapid communications, 42 (9), Art.Nr.: 2000735. doi:10.1002/marc.202000735

Earlier fundamental contributions

Schneider, R. V.; Waibel, K. A.; Arndt, A. P.; Lang, M.; Seim, R.; Busko, D.; Bräse, S.; Lemmer, U.; Meier, M. A. R. (2018). Sequence-definition in stiff conjugated oligomers. Scientific reports, 8 (1), Article number:17483. doi:10.1038/s41598-018-35933-z

Being able to produce tailor-made materials offers the possibility to adjust the properties (thermal, mechanical, optical, molecular self-assembly, data-writability/ readability) of the respective molecule for a specific application. In our group, we vary the sequence and constitution of macromolecules and investigate the resulting effect on the properties with the aim of understanding for sequence-defined properties.

Working on this topic: Philipp Bohn, Qianyu Cai, Hendrik Kirchhoff, Till Paha, Timo Sehn

Recent publications

Sehn, T.; Meier, M. A. R. (2023). Structure–Property Relationships of Short Chain (Mixed) Cellulose Esters Synthesized in a DMSO/TMG/CO 2 Switchable Solvent System. Biomacromolecules, 24 (11), 5255–5264. doi:10.1021/acs.biomac.3c00762

Wegelin, S.; Meier, M. A. R. (2023). Solution Self‐Assembly of Branched Macromolecules Obtained via Iterative OPE Synthesis and the Passerini Three‐Component Reaction. Macromolecular Chemistry and Physics. doi:10.1002/macp.202300337

Kirchberg, A.; Khabazian Esfahani, M.; Röpert, M.-C.; Wilhelm, M.; Meier, M. A. R. (2022). Sustainable Synthesis of Non‐Isocyanate Polyurethanes Based on Renewable 2,3‐Butanediol. Macromolecular Chemistry and Physics, 223 (13), Art.-Nr.: 2200010. doi:10.1002/macp.202200010