Spherands characterization

Soon after crown ethers came on the scene as the first synthetic host molecules capable of binding guests, cryptands followed, and soon thereafter, the spherands. The preorganization of these three classes of molecules follows the order of their invention, as does overall binding affinity, i.e., crownsNobel Laureate, was the creator of the family of hosts that he named spherands. The spherand story began shortly after the genesis of supramolecular chemistry, and it demonstrates how quickly the field matured, as complex syntheses and methods of characterization enhanced the rapid sophistication of host-guest chemistry. 

Another key tool for characterization of spherands and related species is x-ray crystallography. This is the... 

Presented here is a brief summary of several deeades of work. In addition to the original literature, the reader is directed to more comprehensive reviews. The spherands and their immediate family begot many other supramolecular families, eaeh of which is covered in subsequent articles in this eneyelopedia. Thus, the spherands represent a daunting example of design and effort, synthetically, and in terms of characterization. This immense body of work is exemplary of how we can and should conduct our business in supramolecular chemistry. 

---