The purposeful self-assembly of discrete molecules or atoms to form
larger-scale, systematic structures is termed supramolecular chemistry -
a field that earned the 1987 Nobel prize in chemistry for its pioneers
Lehn, Pedersen, and Cram. Self-recognition and reproducible
self-assembly are one of the great keys to life, with DNA and its
information-carrying helix structure being the best example.
A very
promising approach to the creation of man-made materials with superior
properties and perfectly defined structures is the imitation and
harnessing of natural and unnatural self-assembly processes. This first
book to didactically illustrate terpyridine complexes covers topics
ranging from their syntheses, chemistry, and properties via
supramolecular structures, and multinuclear metal complexes, right up to
functionalized polymers, 3D-architectures, and surfaces. Invaluable for
students and lecturers in chemistry and biochemistry, materials
scientists, as well as polymer, inorganic, and physicochemists.
