Supramolecular chemistry encapsulation processes

As no new covalent bonds are formed in the assembly of the supramolecule, the individual molecular components are expected to retain, essentially unchanged, their own molecular character and properties. However, the proximity and the spatial arrangement of the molecular components of the supramolecule may be such that additional interactions between them are optimised, promoted or even initiated. Herein lies one of the real promises of supramolecular chemistry - it allows the precise control of intermolecular processes and reactions by removing the usual requirements for the molecular reactants to form contact pairs with the correct mutual spatial orientation of functionality. In effect, the supramolecule encapsulates that contact pair. 

From a strictly topological standpoint, this family of polyoxovanadates (Figure 4.21) illustrates a very peculiar process of molecular organization in inorganic chemistry. Encapsulation of anions of molecules within shells themselves anionic in nature appears to influence and control the architecture of the system, and hence the use of the terms Template or guest-host supercomplexes, which are reminiscent of the chemistry of zeolites or of supramolecular organic chemistry (75). 

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