A New Class of Materials: Sequence-Defined Macromolecules and Their Emerging Applications

Abstract

Emerging applications of a new class of materials, sequence-defined macromolecules, are explored. Such molecularly highly defined macromolecules require stringent synthesis and purification procedures, yet offer unprecedented application possibilities. The first examples of molecular data storage and related technologies are already starting to emerge today. From a more fundamental point of view, such macromolecules offer a unique opportunity to determine quantitative structure-property relationships (QSPR), which critically aids in designing materials with applications ranging from catalysis to artificial enzymes.

Keywords: macromolecules; molecular data storage; quantitative structure-property relationships (QSPR); sequence definition.