Postpolymerization synthesis of (bis)amide (co)polymers: Thermoresponsive behavior and self-association

Governed by strong intra- and intermolecular hydrogen bonding between amide groups, a series of novel (bis)amide (co)polymers prepared by post-polymerization modification of an activated ester scaffold is shown to reversibly gel in water at low temperatures, display LCST or UCST behavior in water and to self-organize into large sheet-like or rod-like structures.