Supramolecular Chemistry

Chemistry "beyond the molecule" — this course is about the non-covalent interactions (hydrogen bonding, π-stacking, electrostatics, hydrophobic effects) that let one molecule selectively recognize and bind another, the same logic enzymes use on their substrates. You'll work through the thermodynamics of host-guest complexation, study designed receptors for cations, anions, and neutral guests (crown ethers, calixarenes, cyclodextrins, cucurbiturils), and analyze real enzyme-inhibitor crystal structures to see preorganization and complementarity in action. Building on organic and physical chemistry, it's the conceptual bridge to molecular machines, self-assembly, and rational drug design.