Abstract: Vector-directional polymers and polymer systems are disclosed. In accordance with the embodiments of the invention, the polymer has aromatic moieties that are restrained or fixed through conformational linkage units bonding nearest neighbor aromatic moieties together to form the polymer backbone. The conformational linkage units preferably include conformational ring structures which exhibit hydrogen bonding or other Lewis acid-Lewis base type of interactions. The conformational ring structures can include hetero-atoms and cationic metal atoms. The chemical groups and bonding features of the polymer backbone constrain bond movement and bond rotation along the polymer backbone. Accordingly, the vector-directional polymers of the present invention can assemble into or form extended three dimensional structures or arrays.

Abstract: A method of making amide polymers with improved back-bone rigidity, stability and/or planarity through the promotion of intra-molecular interactions is disclosed. Amide polymers, in accordance with the embodiments of the invention, are formed using aromatic dicarboxylic acids and heterocyclic diamine precursors or reactive amino-acid heterocyclic precursors. The heterocyclic precursors used in the present invention have heterocyclic structures that include hetero-atoms in a position that is beta relative to one or more reactive amine groups. Preferably, the hetero-atoms are nitrogen atoms. In accordance with further embodiments, precursors include functional groups that promote inter-molecular interactions, intra-molecular interactions and/or enhance solubility of the amide polymers formed.

Abstract: A method of making amide polymers with improved back-bone rigidity, stability and/or planarity through the promotion of intra-molecular interactions is disclosed. Amide polymers, in accordance with the embodiments of the invention, are formed using aromatic dicarboxylic acids and heterocyclic diamine precursors or reactive amino-acid heterocyclic precursors. The heterocyclic precursors used in the present invention have heterocyclic structures that include hetero-atoms in a position that is beta relative to one or more reactive amine groups. Preferably, the hetero-atoms are nitrogen atoms. In accordance with further embodiments, precursors include functional groups that promote inter-molecular interactions, intra-molecular interactions and/or enhance solubility of the amide polymers formed.