Polymer gels containing an iridium complex in their compartmentalized nanodomain structures were designed. Novel Ir-containing vinyl monomers were first synthesized and then incorporated into homogeneously dispersed thermoresponsive nanodomains via living radical polymerization. The product gels exhibited immediate color change by sensing ammonia in a thermoresponsive manner, and catalyzed the N-alkylation reaction. These findings strongly supported the importance of the incorporation of organometallic complexes into the nanodomain of hydrogels for the further development of a novel soft material exhibiting selective molecular recognition abilities and catalytic reactions.
- Shohichi Furukawa
- Takahiro Okuno
- Shohei Ida
