Aims & Learning Objectives: To look at chemistry 'beyond the molecule' and how a variety of intermolecular interactions can be exploited in terms of molecular recognition both in solution and in the solid state.
After studying this Unit, students should be able to:
* describe some important examples of host-guest chemisty.
* relate the self-organisation of simple molecules to the wider aspects of chemistry.
* highlight future applications of supramolecular chemistry.
* critically review progress in supramolecular chemistry.
* critically analyse recent research papers.
Content: Introduction to supramolecular chemistry - concepts of molecular recognition, self-assembly, complementarity and receptor-substrate relationships. Host-guest chemistry. Cation and anion recognition and molecular sensors. Catenanes and rotaxanes. Molecular machines and supramolecular catalysis. Ligand design - steric and electronic effects. Use of coordination to control shape. Helices, squares and grids. Coordination polymers. Hydrogen bonding - introduction, molecular recognition and crystal engineering. Weaker interactions - p-p stacking CH...O interactions and d¹º - d¹º interaction (aurophilicity).
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