Supramolecular chemistry deals with the interactions between molecules and has become one of the fundamental areas of chemical research. The aims of the module are to introduce and develop the students’ knowledge of the chemistry of molecular assemblies and intermolecular bonds, or "chemistry beyond the molecule". The module will introduce the concepts of non-covalent chemistry, host-guest chemistry, molecular recognition, self-assembly and self-organisation. The module also aims to develop the students' knowledge of how to characterise supramolecular complexes.

(LO1) Students will be able to show understanding of the principles of non-covalent bonding such as hydrogen-bonding, ion-ion interactions, ion-dipole interactions, van der Waals forces, pi-pi stacking interactions, solvatophobic forces etc. with respect to  supramolecular chemistry.

(LO2) Students will be able to show understanding of the underlying principles of complementarity, preorganisation, and cooperative interactions with respect to supramolecular chemistry, and be able to rationalise the characteristics of binding in a given supramolecular complex with respect to these three key concepts.

(LO3) Students will be able to describe, show understanding of and rationalise a range of supramolecular assemblies, including their formation, their behaviour, and their applications in the context of supramolecular chemistry.

(LO4) Students will be able to explain the principles of solvent effects on supramolecular complexes, why and how solvents affect the strength of supramolecular interactions, and design potential supramolecular hosts taking these principles into account.

(LO5) Students will be able to evaluate which characterisation method is suitable for a given supramolecular complex (including NMR, ITC, MS, UV/Vis titration), and explain what the data show for each method.

(LO6) Students will be able to comment critically on and synthesise a summary of the key messages from a recent research paper describing applications for supramolecular complexes.

This module consists of 14 lectures, 1 workshop based on recent research, 1 tutorial, and 1 tutorial revision session.
There will be one set of tutorial-style questions that will be set and assessed, to count for 20% of the final mark. Outline answers will be available in VITAL. It is recognised that self-study will be important for students in this module. Case studies will be used to illustrate the material and demonstrate the applicability of the principles described to specific cases. The assignment will allow students to demonstrate their understanding of the material within the context of their wider reading.

Supramolecular chemistry covers a wide range of systems including host-guest sytems, clathrates, cavitands, supramolecular polymers and gels. In this module, the students will be introduced to concepts such as self-assembling compounds, dynamic covalent chemistry, molecular self-assembly, host-guest complexes and biological mimics. The syllabus will include:
Introduction to supramolecular chemistry – nature of supramolecular interactions, solvation effects, cooperativity, host-guest interactions, chelation, macrocyclic effect, characterisation of supramolecular systems.
Cation-binding  – Why bind cations?, Synthesis of macrocycles,  crown ethers, cryptands, spherands, proton binding, calixarenes, Siderophores.
Anion binding – Why bind anions, Properties of anions, recognition using electrostatic Hydrogen bonds and Lewis acidic hosts.
Simultaneous cation and anion binding – Cascade approach, Separate binding sites,
Neutral gue st binding – Hydrogen bonds, Hydrophobic effect.
Solid state Host-Guest systems – clathrates, calixarenes, molecular crystals.
Self Assembly – pi-electron donor-acceptor systems, transition metal directed assemblies, hydrogen bond assemblies, anion directed assemblies.
Characterising supramolecular systems
Biological Mimics and Supramolecular Catalysis – enzyme mimics, ion-channel mimics.
Supramolecular Chemistry of Life – porphyrins, plant photosynthesis, enzymes.
Interfaces and Liquid Assemblies – non-covalent networks, supramolecular Polymers.
Present and future applications – Phase transfer reagents, separation of mixtures, Sensors, Switches and Molecular Machinery,