Abstract
While the strict definition of supramolecular chemistry is “chemistry beyond the molecule”, meaning having a focus on non-covalent interactions, the field is primarily associated with the creation of synthetic receptors and self-assembly. For synthetic ease, the receptors and assemblies routinely possess a high degree of symmetry, which lends them an aspect of aesthetic beauty. Pictures of electron orbitals similarly can be seen as akin to works of art. This similarity was an early draw for me to the fields of supramolecular chemistry and molecular orbital theory, because I grew up in a household filled with art. In addition to art, my childhood was filled with repairing and constructing mechanical entities, such as internal combustion motors, where many components work together to achieve a function. Analogously, the field of supramolecular chemistry creates systems of high complexity that achieve functions or perform tasks. Therefore, in retrospect a career in supramolecular chemistry appears to be simply an extension of childhood hobbies involving art and auto-mechanics.
Highlights
The field of supramolecular chemistry abounds with beautiful and aesthetically pleasing molecules
Besides having an aspect of beauty, supramolecular structures are created to achieve a chemical function or task. These functions range from imparting mechanical changes [11,12,13], to altering material properties [14,15], to manipulating biological ramifications [16]
Are the assembled chemical entities visually striking, they have real-life practical applications. This combination of art and function undoubtedly had a large influence on why my career transitioned into the field of supramolecular chemistry
Summary
The field of supramolecular chemistry abounds with beautiful and aesthetically pleasing molecules. This combination of art and function undoubtedly had a large influence on why my career transitioned into the field of supramolecular chemistry. After 40 years of hindsight – considering my childhood with an artist/mechanic for a father, and a best friend with whom I built functional models, it is not surprising that my career has focused on the creation of new molecular and supramolecular structures designed to execute a particular function or achieve a certain task.
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