Supramolecular chemistry refers to the study of the formation of host:guest complexes and self-assembly processes. As molecular receptors, we used various macrocyclic molecules: cucurbit[n]urils, cationic amphiphilic calix[n]arenes and cyclodextrins. All of them are able to form inclusion complexes with certain types of guest molecules.
The main goal of this work was to study the recognition processes quantitatively. It evaluates of the influence of the host and guest molecules, that the small changes in the experimental conditions (concentration, salinity, pH, etc) as well as guest geometry, changes the stoichiometry and structure of the complexes. The recognition process takes place due to the development of new, non existing intermolecular interactions in aqueous media. These new interactions can induce changes in the physical properties of the encapsulated molecules, changing their reactivity and the reaction mechanism.
More information: http://www.usc.es/ciqus/en/groups/reactivity-and-catalysis