Molecular Recognition: Design of Abiotic Receptor Molecules

Abstract

Molecular recognition may be considered to form, together with molecular catalysis and transport, the first level of functional properties displayed by the supramolecular species resulting from the interaction of substrates with their receptor molecules [1–3]. The investigation of molecular recognition processes and the design of artificial molecular receptors clearly represent an interface between chemistry and biology. The goal of the chemist is to devise systems which present such functions with highest efficiency and selectivity, finding inspiration in the ingenuity of the biological processes and encouragement in their demonstration that very high efficiencies, selectivities and rates can indeed be attained.