Chirality in Supramolecular Assemblies: Causes and Consequences

Supramolecular chemistry deals with the organisation of molecules into defined assemblies using non-covalent interactions, including weaker and reversible interactions such as hydrogen bonds, and metal-ligand interactions.  The aspect of stereochemistry within such chemical architectures, and in particular chirality, is of special interest as it impacts on considerations of molecular recognition, the development of functional materials, the vexed question of homochirality, nanoscale effects of interactions at interfaces, biocatalysis and enzymatic catalysis, and applications in organic synthesis.

Chirality in Supramolecular Assemblies addresses many of these aspects, presenting a broad overview of this important and rapidly developing interdisciplinary field. Topics covered include:

• Origins of molecular and topological chirality
• Homochirogenesis
• Chirality in crystallinity
• Host-guest behavior
• Chiral influences in functional materials
• Chirality in network solids and coordination solids
• Aspects of chirality at interfaces
• Chirality in organic assemblies
• Chirality related to biocatalysis and enzymes in organic synthesis.

This book is a valuable reference for researchers in the molecular sciences, materials science and biological science working with chiral supramolecular systems. It provides summaries and special insights by acknowledged international experts in the various fields.