Polymer Sciences Open Access

Supramolecular Chemistry: Beyond the Covalent Bond

Yan Sun^* Department of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, East China Normal University, China
^*Correspondence: Yan Sun, Department of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, East China Normal University, China, Email:

Received: 30-Aug-2023, Manuscript No. IPPS-23-17896; Editor assigned: 01-Sep-2023, Pre QC No. IPPS-23-17896 (PQ); Reviewed: 15-Sep-2023, QC No. IPPS-23-17896; Revised: 20-Sep-2023, Manuscript No. IPPS-23-17896 (R); Published: 27-Sep-2023, DOI: 10.36648/2471-9935.23.8.24

Description

Supramolecular chemistry, a captivating branch of chemistry, delves into the interactions that occur between molecules to form larger, non-covalent assemblies. While covalent bonds are vital for building the chemical compounds we encounter daily, the realm of supramolecular chemistry showcases the beauty of molecular recognition, self-assembly, and non-covalent interactions. In this extensive article, we’ll embark on a journey through the fascinating world of supramolecular chemistry, exploring its origins, principles, applications, and the promising future it holds. Supramolecular chemistry traces its roots back to the 1960s when the concept of “host-guest chemistry” was introduced. French chemist Jean-Marie Lehn is often credited with coining the term “supramolecular chemistry.” This field gained prominence with the Nobel Prize in Chemistry awarded to Lehn, Donald J. Cram, and Charles J. Pedersen in 1987 for their groundbreaking work on molecular recognition and the design of host-guest complexes. Supramolecular chemistry relies on non-covalent interactions such as hydrogen bonding, van der Waals forces, ion-dipole interactions, and pi-pi stacking to bring molecules together. These interactions are weaker than covalent bonds but play a pivotal role in the formation of supramolecular assemblies. One of the central tenets of supramolecular chemistry is molecular recognition, where molecules selectively recognize and bind to one another through complementary non-covalent interactions. This selectivity is essential for the specificity of supramolecular systems. Host- Guest Chemistry is a fundamental aspect of supramolecular chemistry where one molecule, the host, encapsulates another molecule, the guest. Cyclodextrins, cucurbiturils, and calixarenes are classic examples of host molecules. Supramolecular Polymers are long chains or networks formed through non-covalent interactions. The assembly of monomers into supramolecular polymers offers fascinating possibilities in material science and nanotechnology. Metal- Organic Frameworks (MOFs) are coordination compounds consisting of metal ions or clusters linked by organic ligands. These structures have gained significant attention for their porous nature and potential applications in gas storage and separation. Coordination compounds, where metal ions are bound to ligands, are integral to supramolecular chemistry. The design and study of these complexes provide insights into host-guest interactions and molecular recognition. Supramolecular systems are used to create drug carriers that can selectively release therapeutic agents at specific sites within the body. These carriers often rely on host-guest interactions for controlled drug release. Supramolecular chemistry plays a crucial role in sensor development. Sensors can be designed to detect specific molecules or ions through molecular recognition events, and their applications range from environmental monitoring to medical diagnostics. The self-assembly and non-covalent interactions in supramolecular chemistry offer tremendous potential in the development of new materials with tailored properties. Liquid crystals, organic semiconductors, and responsive materials are just a few examples. Supramolecular catalysts can enhance the selectivity and reactivity of chemical reactions. Enzymes, which are nature’s catalysts, operate through supramolecular interactions in their active sites. Understanding and predicting the behavior of supramolecular systems can be highly complex due to the many variables involved. Developing more comprehensive models for predicting their properties remains a challenge. As with any chemical field, sustainability is an increasingly critical consideration. Finding eco-friendly and renewable sources for the materials used in supramolecular chemistry is becoming a priority. Supramolecular chemistry is highly interdisciplinary, often requiring expertise in chemistry, physics, and materials science.

Acknowledgement

None.

Conflict Of Interest

The author’s declared that they have no conflict of interest.