We
synthesized fullerene-terminated polymethyl methacrylates (PMMAs),
linear ditopic calix[5]arene host, and branched tritopic calix[5]arene
host. The calix[5]arene hosts bound to the fullerene moieties of the
PMMAs, inducing shape transformation among three different polymer
shapes, namely, short PMMA, long PMMA, and star-shaped PMMA, in solution.
The transformation was studied using UV/vis spectroscopy, fluorescence
spectroscopy, diffusion ordered NMR spectroscopy, size-exclusion chromatography,
viscometry, and differential scanning calorimetry. Dynamic light scattering
measurements confirmed that the transformation between the individual
shapes was induced by application of external stimuli, including prechosen
molecules and heating of the solution. Of particular note is that
atomic force microscopy revealed that PMMA illustrated an additional
shape, namely, a spherical shape, in the solid state due to the cohesive
nature of its fullerene moiety. The present study illustrated that
a supramolecular approach to polymer-shape regulation allows access
to multiple distinct polymer shapes in sequence.