Molecular Interaction and Recognition

Abstract

This chapter shows some examples on how interactions that are very weak can have profound influences on molecular recognition. The behavior of all biomolecules, materials, and medicinal agents is determined at some level by their ability to form intra- or intermolecular non-covalent interactions. The chapter summarises that the electrostatic interactions are a master-class of weak forces that can be further broken down into several different kinds of interactions. The exact influence of these interactions on molecular recognition depends on charge, polarizability, distance, geometry and dielectric constant of solvent in ways that can be easily derived from simple physical principles. The orchestrated cooperation of many weak interactions is needed to achieve strong and selective molecular recognition. Keywords: supramolecular chemistry; non-covalent interactions; cation-pi; electronegative atom; electrostatic interactions; hydrogen bond; molecular recognition