SUPRAMOLECULAR Meaning and
Definition
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The term "supramolecular" refers to the field of chemistry that involves the study of molecular interactions and organizations beyond the scale of individual molecules. It specifically describes the non-covalent interactions between molecules and the subsequent formation of larger, more complex structures or assemblies, known as supramolecular systems. These systems arise from weak forces such as hydrogen bonding, van der Waals forces, dipole-dipole interactions, and electrostatic interactions.
Supramolecular chemistry focuses on the investigation and understanding of these non-covalent interactions, aiming to design and synthesize functional materials with unique properties and functions. It encompasses the study of self-assembly, which refers to the spontaneous organization of molecules into ordered structures without the need for external intervention.
Supramolecular systems exhibit emergent properties that arise from the collective behavior of their constituent molecules. These properties can include enhanced stability, increased solubility, catalytic activity, and a variety of applications in different fields such as materials science, drug delivery, sensors, and molecular electronics.
The concept of supramolecular chemistry also extends to biological systems, where molecular recognition plays a central role in fundamental processes such as enzyme-substrate interactions, receptor-ligand recognition, and DNA replication. Understanding and mimicking these interactions has shown great potential for the development of new therapeutic strategies and biomaterial design.
In summary, "supramolecular" pertains to the study of non-covalent interactions and the resulting complex assemblies, offering insights into the emergent properties and potential applications of these systems in various branches of science and technology.
Etymology of SUPRAMOLECULAR
The word "supramolecular" is derived from two Latin roots:
1. "Supra": It means "above" or "beyond" in Latin. It is used to indicate something that is on top of or beyond another thing or concept.
2. "Molecula": It means "a small mass" or "a building block" in Latin. It refers to the fundamental unit of a substance or compound, which cannot be further divided without losing its chemical properties.
Therefore, "supramolecular" combines these roots to form a word that describes something that is beyond or above the individual molecule level. It refers to the interactions and structures that occur between molecules, such as non-covalent bonds and assemblies.
