Supramolecular Chemistry

Goals
Introduction to the fundamental concepts of Supramolecular Chemistry, intermolecular interactions and methodologies that take advantage from molecular recognition. The student will be aware of the different fields of application of supramolecular architectures.

Acquired skills
Understanding the importance and action of intermolecular interactions in the bottom-up assembly processes of different supramolecular systems. Using the learned concepts the student will be able to analyze and design a supramolecular structure. Understanding the specific literature.

Course content
Basic concepts. Weak Interactions and structural aspects of the host-guest interaction. Molecular recognition and molecular receptors. Organic macrocycles: synthesis and applications. Complexation of cations, anions and neutral molecules in solution.
Methods for the determination of stoichiometry and association constants of complexes.
Self-assembly and crystal engineering.
Coordination supramolecular architectures: polygons, cages and molecular polyhedra.
Inorganic and organic clathrate compounds.
Coordination networks: syntheses, structures and topological classification. Porous coordination networks (Metal-Organic-Frameworks): characterization of their host-guest behavior and applications in the fields of catalysis and gas storage.

Suggested prerequisites
Knowledge of the basic courses.

Reference material [required]
- J.W. Steed, J.L. Atwood, Supramolecular chemistry, Wiley, Chichester, 2000.
- J.-M. Lehn, Supramolecular chemistry: concepts and perpespectives, VCH, Weinheim, 1995

Assessment method:
Normally oral examination composed of two parts:
a) interview on the topics covered by the course programme.
b) discussion of a literature paper concerning a topic of supramolecular chemistry

Language of instruction
Italian

Attendance Policy:
Strongly recommended

Mode of teaching:
Frontal lessons

Website:
http://lcarluccics.ariel.ctu.unimi.it