Self-assembly precursor modification followed

Class 3. Precursor Modification Followed by Self-Assembly... 

Self-assembly can be divided into a number of classes 1. strict self-assembly, 2. irreversible self-assembly, 3. precursor modification followed by self-assembly, 4. self-assembly with post-modification, 5. assisted self-assembly, 6. directed self-assembly, 7. self-assembly with intermittent processing. 

Self-assembly processes involving covalent modifications typically comprise one of the earlier classes of self-assembly followed by, preceded by, or intermixed with conventional covalent bond formation. In coordination chemistry, for example, self-assembly with precursor modification means synthesizing the component ligands and metal complexes before carrying out the reaction. Post-modification involves locking a self-assembled structure into a kinetically stable state. Self-assembly with intermittent processing involves combinations of both of these. 

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