Supramolecular coordination chemistry and functional microporous molecularmaterials

An enormous number and variety of discrete, isolable, supramolecular-coordi nation-chemistry-based assemblies featuring well-defined nanoscale cavities have been designed, synthesized, and characterized over the past decade. A small number of these have subsequently been used as building blocks for m icroporous materials and now comprise an important component of an emerging chemistry of microporous molecular materials. The extant materials typical ly have displayed large void volumes, high internal surface areas, and the ability to withstand the systematic removal of solvent. These and other pro perties (chemical tailorability, alignment of cavities to form extended cha nnels, good processability, etc.) suggest a number of potentially very exci ting applications involving selective molecular transport, sensing, or chem ical transformation-with many of these now supported by proof-of-concept ex periments.