Self-assembly is ubiquitous in nature.Biological systems utilize nonocovalent forces to control the self-assembly process precisely
resulting in the formation of complicated structures with multiple functions.Inspired by the structure of biological macromolecules
chemists are engaged in developing highly-ordered artificial supramolecular assemblies such as supramolecular polymers
which exhibit great significance in the formation of various supramolecular architectures
and more importantly
the potential applications of dynamic supramolecular materials.In recent years more and more attentions have been paid to crown ethers
one of the most commonly used hosts in supramolecular chemistry
which serve as the building blocks to construct functional supramolecular assemblies due to their facilitated syntheses
convenient structure modification and unique complexation properties with a variety of guest molecules.This review focuses on supramolecular polymers based on crown ether derivatives.