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Molecules within molecules: Recognition through self-assembly

2002; National Academy of Sciences; Volume: 99; Issue: 8 Linguagem: Inglês

10.1073/pnas.042663699

1091-6490

Fraser Hof, Julius Rebek,

Chemical Synthesis and Analysis

Synthetic molecular receptors that completely surround their target molecules can be created through the use of noncovalent interactions. These molecular capsules selectively sequester guest molecules from the influence of bulk solvent and other molecules on the basis of size, shape, and chemical complementarity. This reversible isolation spawns unique behavior within the confines of the host; the catalysis of chemical reactions and the stabilization of reactive species are possible outcomes that have been recently demonstrated. Compartmentalization of reagents can also have a dramatic effect on reactions that take place outside of the capsule, producing nonlinear kinetics in relatively simple reaction systems.