Supramolecular Chemistry

This new text forms part of the on-going 'Primer Series' and as such provides a concise and fully illustrated introduction to the exciting field of Supramolecular Chemistry, which deals with interactions between molecules, and has become one of the fundamental areas of chemical research. This inderdisciplinary research area plays an increasingly important role for a number of reasons, ranging from the design of extraction agents for environmentally toxic species to the development of new pharmaceuticals. The book is structured in a logical manner which forms an ideal basis for a short lecture course suitable for advanced undergraduate or graduate students. Firstly, the general approach to supramolecular chemistry is discussed followed by the specific methods used to bind cationic, anionic and neutral guests. The discussion is then broadened to encompass the use of these methods to assemble remarkable, eye-catching architectures, and finally, the current and future applications of supramolecular chemistry are outlined. At the end of each chapter is a carefully selected list of leading references, and thus the book provides an ideal start for the initiate student.