CHIRAL SPACES - DISSYMMETRIC CAPSULES THROUGH SELF-ASSEMBLY

Molecules with self-complementary surfaces interact through weak inter molecular forces to form assemblies, and the assembled states frequent ly exhibit distinctive properties. Described here are systems in which symmetrical molecules assemble through hydrogen bonding to produce ca psules with dissymmetric cavities. The capsules form and dissipate on a time scale that permits their direct observation by nuclear magnetic resonance measurements, and they act as hosts for smaller molecular g uests, Molecular recognition of chiral guests, such as naturally occur ring terpenes, determines which dissymmetric cavities are preferential ly formed in the assembly process.