Crystallography of Supramolecular Compounds (Nato Science Series C:, 480). This item is unavailable.Crystallography of Supramolecular Compounds (Nato Science Series C:, 480)

The Supramolecular Compounds refer to organised multi-molecular assemblies and associated phenomena. The stability and the properties of these compounds strongly involve structural three-dimensional (3D) information. The crystal itself can be considered as a giant supermolecule. Thus, a thorough understanding of crystal structures and crystal growth provides a unique information on the intermolecular interactions. Indeed, each crystal reflects in a particular way the recognition properties of molecules. More so, modern crystallography allows to study in detail two­ or three-component crystalline solids in which the recognition processes can be seen from the structural standpoint. Crystallography of smaller and smaller single crystals, faster and faster experiments, time-resolved x-ray crystallography, are extremely potent source of physico-chemical information. The present Advanced Study Institute (A.S.I.) - which was planned five years ago as the 22nd Course of the International School of Crystallography (director: T. L. BLUNDELL), 1-11 June 1995, E. Majorana Centre, Erice, Italy - is probably the first international meeting specifically devoted to the Crystallography of Supramolecular Compounds. The presence of crystallographers, chemists and physicists enhanced the coherence of the typical sequence: Conception and Design - Synthesis - Structure and Visualisation - Properties. The interactive and interdisciplinary character of this research is central to the development of general structural models for a large spectrum of compounds: ionophores, cryptates, fullerenes, calixarenes, cyclodextrins, cyclotriveratrylenes, pillar type compounds, zeolites, hydrates, solvates and others.

Supramolecular compounds are multi-molecular assemblies possessing a great deal of structural, three-dimensional information. This work deals specifically with crystallographic studies combined with other methodologies, such as molecular dynamics, thermodynamics, NMR and atomic force microscopy. A wide range of supramolecular systems - ranging from atoms to single 5 kDa molecules to high polymers - involve molecular recognition based on non-covalent interactions having a precise geometry. The work focuses on general structural concepts as the basis for the chemical synthesis of preconceived compounds and devices, such as switches, sensors and biomimetic systems. Further progress will come from the imprinting of structural information into molecular components that spontaneously proceed to self-organization. The contributions of crystallographers, chemists, photochemists and physicists enhances the typical sequence: conception and design - synthesis - structure and visualization - properties - applications, taking the reader from first principles to the forefront of the latest achievements.