Fabrication of large single crystals for platinum‐based linear polymers with controlled‐release and photoactuator performance

Abstract

Preparation of large single crystals of linear polymers for X‐ray analysis is very challenging. Herein, we employ a coordination‐driven self‐assembly strategy to secure the appropriate head‐to‐tail alignment of anthracene moieties, and for the first time obtained large‐sized Pt‐based linear polymer crystals through a [4+4] cycloaddition of anthracene in a single‐crystal to single‐crystal fashion. Using X‐ray diffraction to determine the polymer crystal structure, we found that both the polymerisation and depolymerisation steps proceed via a stable intermediate. Taking advantage of the temperature‐dependent slow depolymerization, the Pt‐based linear polymer showed potential as a sustained release anticancer drug platform. Utilizing the reversible contraction effect of unit‐cell volume upon irradiation or heating, the stimuli‐responsive crystals were hybridized with polyvinylidene fluoride to obtain a “smart material” with outstanding photoactuator performance