Host-guest chemistry

In supramolecular chemistry, host–guest chemistry describes complexes that are composed of two or more molecules or ions that are held together in unique structural relationships by forces other than those of full covalent bonds. Host–guest chemistry encompasses the idea of molecular recognition and interactions through noncovalent bonding. Noncovalent bonding is critical in maintaining the 3D structure of large molecules, such as proteins and is involved in many biological processes in which large molecules bind specifically but transiently to one another. There are four commonly mentioned types of non-covalent interactions: hydrogen bonds, ionic bonds, van der Waals forces, and hydrophobic interactions.

Common host molecules are cyclodextrins, calixarenes, pillararenes, cucurbiturils, porphyrins, metallacrowns, crown ethers, zeolites, cyclotriveratrylenes, cryptophanes, carcerands, and foldamers.

Host–guest chemistry is observed in inclusion compounds, Intercalation compounds, clathrates, and molecular tweezers.

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