COMMISSION ON PHYSICAL
ORGANIC CHEMISTRY (III.2)
Number: 320/19/95
Title: Glossary of
Terms Used in Supramolecular Chemistry
Coordinator(s): T.
Fyles - project terminated
Remarks: Medicinal
Chemistry Section, Subcommittees on Organic Synthesis and Bioorganic
Chemistry
Completion Date:
1999
Objective:
Supramolecular chemistry is a relatively new field that is growing
rapidly. It involves the development of the chemistry of a variety
of host-guest complexes, and the study of membranes and molecular
assemblies. A rapid perusal of books and papers indicates, however,
that aspects such as molecular assembly, molecular topology, complex
formation, extraction, and transport need clarification with regard
to the terms that are used. Names of the various types of host
species, such as crown ethers, cryptands, calixarenes, etc., and
their complexes, and related terms, such as host, guest, ionophore,
cleft and cavity, might also be better defined. This field has
not so far been formally structured. This is why IUPAC Commission
III.2 believes that the project shall be welcomed by the chemical
community. Supramolecular chemistry impacts heavily on other sciences
e.g. biochemical and material sciences. Any IUPAC activity
related to materials and bio-sciences will be strongly related
to this project.
Progress:
This project is underway. A large number of terms and their definitions
and applicability have been accumulated. The definitions must
be confirmed, and any omitted terms included.
Last update: 17 November
1999
Project terminated 31 dec 2001