Supramolecular chemistry development

Supramolecular chemistry is a central theme not only in chemistry, but in neighboring disciplines as well. The author, who has been awarded the Nobel Prize for his achievements in this area, describes the concepts, lines of development and perspectives of this highly interdisciplinary and burgeoning field of research. 

Cyclophanes or 7r-spherands have played a central role in the development of supramolecular chemistry forming an important class of organic host molecules for the inclusion of metal ions or organic molecules via n-n interactions. Particular examples are provided by their applications in synthesis [80], in the development of molecular sensors [81], and the development of cavities adequate for molecular reactions with possible applications in catalysis [82]. The classical organic synthesis of cyclophanes can be quite complex [83], so that the preparation of structurally related molecules via coordination or organometallic chemistry might be an interesting alternative. 

This entry to supramolecular chemistry allows one, at the same time, to develop a host-guest chemistry because the space inside the cucurbituril barrel is sufficient to confine small "guesf molecules. This is illustrated with the crystallization of the supramolecular adduct [W3S4(H20)8Cl](pyH ccuc) Cl4a 5.5 H2O with a pyridinium cation inside the cucurbituril cavity [48]. The introduction of guest molecules may vary the net charge on the assembly and consequently the whole packing in the solid state. 

In the early 1990s, Moore et al. reported the syntheses of a tremendous variety of meffl-connected PAMs [5 b, 36]. They recognized that the structural rigidity of systems like 8 could be useful in supramolecular chemistry. The convergent, stepwise approach of linear oligomeric phenylacetylene sequences developed in the Moore laboratory permitted absolute control over chain length, order of... 

Extended linear chain inorganic compounds have special chemical and physical properties [60,61], This has led to new developments in fields such as supramolecular chemistry, acid-base chemistry, luminescent materials, and various optoelectronic applications. Among recent examples are the developments of a vapochromic light emitting diode from linear chain Pt(II)/Pd(II) complexes [62], a luminescent switch consisting of an Au(I) dithiocarbamate complex that possesses a luminescent linear... 

Since 1982 there have been enormous developments in metal-based chemistry, particularly the emergence of supramolecular chemistry - chemistry beyond the molecule, molecular architecture, and molecular engineering. Comprehensive Supramolecular Chemistry was published in 1996, a survey which contains much of interest to coordination chemists. Consequently in this volume review material relating to supramolecular systems is mainly restricted to developments since 1990. 

The overwhelming number of dendrimer-related reports flooding the chemical arena, particularly, in the last five years, has made it a difficult task to summarize all important developments in one treatise. The restricted scope of this chapter - supramolecular chemistry within dendritic materials - denotes the utilitarian character to the unique infrastructure of these materials. Surface coatings and attachments to molecular spheres should possess a common theme respective of their frameworks, and thus there should be less differentiation between the mode of construction but rather what is the surface functionality. 

Supramolecular systems have the capability of achieving functions not accessible by using molecular components.1,2 Supramolecular chemistry provides the framework to move from the molecular world to the nano- and meso-scale world. In this respect, the development of supramolecular systems provides a bottom-up approach for the construction of nanoscale objects where complexity is paramount to achieve multi-step function. Detailed knowledge of the system s thermodynamics and dynamics is required to rationally design new structures and to modify known ones. 

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