Retrosynthesis, supramolecular

The concept of tecton can be better understood if contrasted with the concept of supramolecular synthon. Paraphrasing Corey s historic definition of synthon, Desiraju defined that a supramolecular synthon is a stmc-tural unit vvdthin a supermolecule that can be formed or assembled by known or conceivable synthetic operations involving intermolecular interactions. The supramolecular synthon concept is backwardly oriented (i.e., is useful in supramolecular retrosynthesis) and focuses on the part of a supermolecule that is formed or can be formed through an intermolecular interaction. The tecton concept is forwardly oriented (i.e., is useful in supramolecular synthesis) and focuses on a molecule that predictably gives supermolecules, thanks to its tailored structure and robust binding sites. 

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