Overview

This monograph describes the behavior of molecules confined to small spaces. The small spaces are created by the self-assembly of modules into hollow capsular structures through hydrogen bonding; capsules assembled by metal/ligand binding or other forces are not included.

Topics Covered

Topics discussed include how assembly of capsules occurs, how molecules get in and out of the capsules, new spatial arrangements (stereochemistry) created in the capsules, and the altered shapes, interactions and reactivities of molecules held inside the small spaces. The descriptions emphasize molecular recognition phenomena and the perspective is that of physical organic chemistry.

Significance

The book is the first monograph to treat reversible molecular encapsulation. More than 20 university and institute groups worldwide engage in this research, which represents the leading edge of activity in molecular recognition and the physical organic chemistry of confined molecules.