Supramolecular Chemistry: Crown Ethers, Cryptands and Host–Guest Binding
Inorganic Chemistry · Entrance Exams Supramolecular Chemistry: Crown Ethers, Cryptands and Host–Guest Binding Chemistry beyond the covalent bond — where selectivity comes from the size of a hole and the number of contacts, not from making or breaking bonds. BSc & MSc · Inorganic Chemistry · Concept The short answer: Supramolecular chemistry studies assemblies held together by non-covalent forces. A crown ether binds an alkali metal ion whose radius matches its cavity, which is how selectivity is achieved without any covalent chemistry. Cryptands enclose the ion in three dimensions and bind far more strongly still. The extra stability of a…