2019 Volume 74 Pages 3-8
Supramolecular self-assembly of a certain number of designer organic/inorganic building blocks by directional interactions such as metal coordination is the basis of elaborate molecular systems. Most molecular architectures are purpose-designed in light of the size, shape, and surface natures of building blocks as well as chemical environments. On the other hand, we have occasionally come across unexpected structures and functions as a result of more complicated self-assembly processes than expected, which have often opened a new frontier in chemistry. We have been focusing on coordination-driven self-assembly directed toward artificial metallo-DNAs,1,2 metallo-containers,3,4 molecular ball bearings,5 molecular gearing systems,6 and metal macrocycle frameworks (MMFs).7.8 This paper describes supraspace chemistry taking an example of a supramolecular porous crystal, MMFs, which provides a confined nano-space for molecular recognition and transformation.
