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Chemistry beyond the molecule

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Supramolecular chemistry has grown in importance because it goes beyond the molecule — the focus of classical chemistry. It also offers a fresh interface with biological and materials science.

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Figure 1: Supramolecular structures formed by intermolecular interactions.
Figure 2: The building blocks of supramolecular chemistry.

SCOTT CHILDS

Figure 3: In many cubane acids, the carboxyl groups (CO2H) form a synthon based on extended O–H˙˙˙O and C–H˙˙˙O bonds.
Figure 4: Supramolecular approach to a biological problem.

SCOTT CHILDS

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  1. School of Chemistry, University of Hyderabad, Hyderabad, 500 046, India

    Gautam R. Desiraju

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Correspondence to Gautam R. Desiraju.

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Desiraju, G. Chemistry beyond the molecule. Nature 412, 397–400 (2001). https://doi.org/10.1038/35086640

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