Toroid-rod supramolecular polymorphism derived from conformational isomerism of a π-conjugated system.

Hydrogen-bonded supermacrocycles (rosettes) composed of dinaphthylethene π-conjugated systems show unique supramolecular polymorphism affording nanorings and nanorods via kinetically controlled self-assembly. Molecular modeling and molecular dynamics simulations proposed that conformational isomerism of the π-conjugated systems leads to planar and convex rosette geometries, which results in their distinct stacking arrangements.