Gels based on anion recognition between triurea receptor and phosphate anion

Anion recognition between the triurea receptor and phosphate anion is demonstrated as the cross-linkage to build supramolecular polymer gels for the first time. A novel multi-block copolymer (3) is designed to have functional triurea groups as cross-linking units along the polymer main chain. By virtue of anion coordination between the triurea receptor and phosphate anion with a binding mode of 2:1, supramolecular polymer gels are then prepared based on anion recognition using 3 as the building block. A novel multiblock copolymer is designed to have functional triurea groups along the polymer main chain. By virtue of anion coordination between the triurea receptor and phosphate anion with a binding mode of 2:1, for the first time supramolecular polymer gels are prepared based on anion recognition using the multi-block copolymer as the building block.