Bolaamphiphiles

Bolas are used initially to form monolayer membrane (MLM) vesicles. Generally, bolas are synthesized from commercial α,ω-diols, -dihalides, -diamines, and dicarboxylates by condensation and substitution reactions. In supramolecular chemistry, the major contribution of bolas lies in the combination of asymmetric arrangements of α,ω-headgroups and the formation of cooperative hydrogen-bond or π-π interaction chains. Very strong odd-even and chain-length effects allow to manipulate the rigidity of the molecular assemblies. Bolas provide excellent protection against corrosion, form-stable nanowells that may be filled with water or chloroform and nanosized printings.