Synthesis of a redox-responsive quadruple hydrogen-bonding unit for applications in supramolecular chemistry

A redox-responsive quadruple hydrogen-bonding module (eDAN) has been developed. The strong binding between the reduced form and its partner (DeUG) can be significantly decreased upon oxidation but restored upon subsequent reduction. This on–off switch was successfully applied to provide reversible control of macroscopic supramolecular polymer networks.