CH4025 Supramolecular Chemistry

Non-covalent interactions: electron-pair donor-acceptor, electrostatic, hydrogen-bonding, p-donor-p-acceptor, van der Waals.

Importance of geometric control: preorganisation. Role of solvent: hydrophobic interactions.

Cation binding: crown ethers, cryptands, acyclic receptors. Applications in sensors and phase-transfer catalysis.

Anion recognition: cationic, metal-based and neutral receptors. Recognition of neutral molecules by hydrogen-bonding and/or p-p interactions in organic solvents, and by hydrophobic interactions in water. Cyclodextrins, cyclophanes. Supramolecular catalysis, self-assembly of supramolecular aggregates, crystal engineering.

Introduction to computer-based molecular modelling.