[2.2]Paracyclophane Materials – Status and Perspectives

[2.2]Paracyclophane (PCP) has emerged as a versatile building block in polymer science owing to its unique bicyclic structure, rigidity, and inherent chirality. To promote this to the broader public and highlight its versatility, this paper provides a concise overview of recent advancements in PCP-based polymers, including their synthesis, structural features, and diverse applications. Functionalized PCP side chain and backbone polymers exhibit remarkable properties, including π-stacking, tunable optoelectronic activity, and an easily defined 3D structure. Applications span from advanced coatings using chemical vapor deposition to semiconductors and emitters, as well as chiral materials for sensing and catalysis. Additionally, the incorporation of PCP into metal-organic frameworks opens up new avenues in materials science. These findings highlight the PCP's potential to drive innovative macromolecule engineering and technology solutions.