Supramolecular Complexes
Supramolecular Complexes - Related Videos
09:26
Synthesis and Characterization of Supramolecular Colloids
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Cited by 3 •
2016
A protocol for the synthesis and characterization of colloids coated with supramolecular moieties is described. These supramolecular colloids undergo self-assembly upon the activation of the hydrogen-bonds between the surface-anchored molecules by UV-light.
16:24
Controlling the Size, Shape and Stability of Supramolecular Polymers in Water
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Cited by 13 •
2012
The goal of this experiment is to determine and control the size, shape and stability of self-assembled discotic amphiphiles in water. For aqueous based supramolecular polymers such level of control is very difficult. We apply a strategy using both repulsive and attractive interactions. The experimental techniques applied to characterize this system are broadly applicable.
10:28
An Injectable and Drug-loaded Supramolecular Hydrogel for Local Catheter Injection into the Pig Heart
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Cited by 21 •
2015
Supramolecular hydrogelators based on ureido-pyrimidinones allow full control over the macroscopic gel properties and the sol–gel switching behavior using pH. Here, we present a protocol for formulating and injecting such a supramolecular hydrogelator via a catheter delivery system for local delivery directly in relevant areas in the pig heart.
13:52
Studying the Supramolecular Organization of Photosynthetic Membranes within Freeze-fractured Leaf Tissues by Cryo-scanning Electron Microscopy
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Cited by 19 •
2016
Here we describe a procedure for studying freeze-fractured plant tissues. High-pressure frozen leaf samples are freeze-fractured and double-layer coated, yielding well preserved frozen-hydrated samples that are imaged using the cryo-scanning electron microscope at high magnifications with minimal beam damage.
06:44
From Molecules to Materials: Engineering New Ionic Liquid Crystals Through Halogen Bonding
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Cited by 2 •
2018
A protocol for the synthesis of a new type of mesogens, based on the halogen-bonded supramolecular anion [CnF2n+1-I···I···I-CnF2n+1]−, is reported.
FAQs
Molecular recognition favors partners whose shapes, charge distributions, and functional groups complement one another. This complementarity allows several weak interactions, such as hydrogen bonding, electrostatic attraction, π–π stacking, hydrophobic effects, or metal coordination, to act together. The combined interaction pattern can give one molecular pairing greater stability than alternative assemblies, guiding selective formation within a chemical system.
These conditions can alter the strength or availability of the noncovalent interactions holding an assembly together. Changes in solvent, pH, or temperature may weaken complementary contacts, while a competing molecule can occupy a preferred binding site. As a result, the complex may reorganize, disassemble, or form a different assembly, making its behavior responsive and reversible.
Reversible noncovalent interactions allow components to associate and separate without requiring covalent bonds to be broken and remade. This gives supramolecular systems dynamic behavior that covalent structures generally do not provide through the same mechanism. Chemists can therefore use environmental changes or competing molecules to control assembly, disassembly, and the resulting properties.
Each interaction contributes a different form of molecular complementarity. Hydrogen bonding connects suitable donor and acceptor groups, π–π stacking aligns compatible aromatic surfaces, hydrophobic effects favor particular associations in suitable solvent environments, and metal coordination links molecular components through a metal center. Assemblies may rely on one interaction or combine several to strengthen recognition and tune behavior.
A useful design approach begins by matching the partners’ shape, charge, and functional groups, then considering which noncovalent interactions could support their association. Chemists can also examine how solvent, pH, temperature, and competing molecules may alter that association. This framework helps predict whether assembly will be favored, reversible, or responsive under the intended chemical conditions.
Their controllable recognition and reversible assembly support several applications. Host–guest systems use selective molecular association, while molecular sensors translate binding or assembly changes into detectable responses. Supramolecular complexes also contribute to catalyst design, drug-delivery carriers, and responsive materials. In addition, they provide chemical models for biological recognition, connecting fundamental assembly principles with functional molecular systems.