Supramolecular chemistry
David Smith reviews the second edition
Supramolecular chemistry (2nd edn)
Jonathan W. Steed and Jerry L. Atwood
Chichester: John Wiley 2009 | Pp990 | £45.00 | ISBN 978 0 47 051234 0
Over the past 40 years, supramolecular chemistry has become one of the most influential concepts in modern science. If atoms can be considered as individual letters, and molecules as words, then supramolecular chemistry considers how non-covalent interactions can link these molecular words together into sentences. By understanding the 'grammar' of non-covalent interactions, supramolecular chemists can generate receptors for target molecules, or assemble molecules into new nanoscale materials.
Supramolecular chemistry is an interdisciplinary science, with impact ranging from biology through to physics. Furthermore, it exemplifies key chemical principles - from intermolecular forces and thermodynamics, through synthesis, to spectroscopy - and is a great way of demonstrating these ideas in an interesting context to students.
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