Supramolecular chemistry

Supramolecular chemistry is a branch of chemistry that has become the parent ( Supra ) structures involved in the association of molecules. It deals with processes of self-assembly and host-guest chemistry (English host- guest chemistry ) and the resulting supramolecular systems. Characteristic of this area were insights into aggregates of enzymes and their substrates. For the investigation of supramolecular methods from all fields of chemistry and physics are used for various events. For their contributions to Donald J. Cram, Jean -Marie Lehn and Charles Pedersen in 1987 was awarded the Nobel Prize for Chemistry.

Cram said host-guest complexes as follows:

" These complexes consist of two or more molecules or ions whose unique structures are held together by forces other than covalent bonds. [ ... ] These electrostatic forces include hydrogen bonding, ion - pair formation, acid - base interactions, metal -ligand interactions, van der Waals forces and hydrophobic interactions. "

Among the most studied classes of compounds in supramolecular chemistry include crown ethers, cryptands and cryptates, together with the associated metalla - Topomere, as well as the cyclodextrins and calixarenes. But even inorganic hosts such as zeolites and Polyoxovanadates are possible.

The study of these assemblies has several objectives: She tries both to provide deeper insights into the nature of enzyme -substrate complexes, as well as to allow access to improved catalysts and analytical methods. Furthermore strives supramolecular chemistry then to synthesize new materials with tailored properties as possible. The most important tool of supramolecular chemistry here is in each case the spontaneous self-assembly ( self- grouping) and self-organization.

Metallo- supramolecular chemistry

In subdivision of the metallo-supramolecular chemistry of metal ions are used as an important structure-forming components. The structures so obtained are referred to in comparison with the purely organic structures of the same topology as metallo- Topomere.