Living supramolecular polymerization of Ir(III) complexes

Supramolecular polymers represent a novel class of functional materials, and their controllable preparation has attracted extensive attention. Currently, living supramolecular polymerization (LSP) has emerged as a breakthrough method for the preparation of supramolecular polymers with controllable size and polydispersity. Ir(III) complexes have complicated octahedral configurations, which makes it challenging to rationally design their monomers to construct ordered intermolecular interactions for realizing LSP. This review provides a concise summary of recent advances from our group in the area of LSP of Ir(III) complexes. It highlights universal strategies for molecular design, controllable LSP, and block copolymerization of Ir(III) complexes, aiming to facilitate the development of advanced supramolecular polymers with well-defined structures and tailored functionalities. • Brief introduction on the living supramolecular polymerization (LSP). • A short review on the LSP of cyclometalated Ir(III) complexes. • The directions and prospects in the field of LSP are discussed.