Supramolecular synthons Subject

The identification of the set of interactions that constitute a synthon is, in the end, subjective. In the limit, any possible combination of interactions may be defined as a supramolecular synthon but then there is the risk that the term will be degraded or fall into disuse much like its molecular sibling. Interactions or groups of interactions that are needlessly identified as supramolecular synthons, but are unable subsequently to sustain a predictive role in crystal engineering, will... 

In summary, rather than attempt an vmambiguous and rigorous definition of the term supramolecular synthon, we feel it best that the scope and meaning of the term be allowed to refine during the evolution of crystal engineering into a mature subject. 

Applications of the CSD to advance the related areas of crystal engineering and crystal structure prediction are also increasing. Subjects of particular interest here are the topologies and relative frequencies of formation of the more common intermolecular interaction motifs observed in crystal structures. Etter et al. proposed a graph set description of motifs, a concept being taken forward by Bernstein et al., while Desiraju classifies motifs as supramolecular synthons (i.e., structure-directing influences) in crystal engineering applications. 

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