Supramolecular stabilization guest species

Unusual chemical and photochemical reactivity (or, in contrast, incredible stability) of encapsulated species and the unexpected products of such reactions within the confined cavities of molecular capsules have been observed in many cases. This can be explained by steric restrictions due to relative rigidity of covalent and coordination capsules, by isolation of these guests from external factors such as solvent effects, and by relatively strong supramolecular host-guest interactions. 

Molecular recognition is defined by the information and the energy involved in selection and binding of substrate(s) by a given receptor moleeule [1]. Moleeular recognition phenomena imply the formation of supramolecular species characterized by peculiar structural, thermodynamic, and kinetic features determined by molecular information stored in receptor and substrate(s) that lead to selective binding. Stability of the supramolecular host-guest complex substantially depends on the medium and results from a subtle balance between solvation [2] (of both receptor and substrate) and complexation (i.e., solvation of the substrate by the receptor) [1]. 

Noncovalent interactions play a special role in synthetic procedures used to assemble various types of supramolecular species. These syntheses rely on the stabilization provided by non-covalent interactions between recognition sites incorporated within precursors. Various types of non-covalent interactions can be used as a recognition motif utilized to guide the synthesis.Targeted synthesis of macro- and supramolecular structures of various sizes, shapes, and functionality has now become possible. Supramolecular chemistry offers incredible applications in various fields such as medicinal chemistry (drug delivery systems),host-guest chemistry,catalysis,and molecular electronics. ... 

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