Supramolecular Chemistry of a Moving Solution: Flow Drives New Non-covalent Bond Formation

Abstract

The main concern in supramolecular chemistry is the creation of new non-covalent bonds because it leads to the formation of molecular assemblies with new functions. In organic synthesis, there are appropriate toolkits for creating a desired molecule; for example, catalysts produce a variety of new covalent bonds to extend the possible molecular structures. However, in supramolecular chemistry, self-assembly, a passive process, is still the sole method for forming non-covalent bonds. We demonstrated that when a solution moves in a microspace, a positive assembly occurs, leading to the formation of various new non-covalent bonds. Combining this strategy with the precise control of microenvironmental changes in a microflow space will expand the framework of supramolecular structures. New non-covalent bond formation should lead to the formation of molecular assemblies with new functions. In supramolecular chemistry, self-assembly, a passive process, is still the sole method for forming non-covalent bonds. One may consider that the motion of a solution has no significant influence on the molecular interactions; however, it can provide a driving force to induce non-covalent bonds at the molecular level. We demonstrated that when a solution moves in a microspace, a positive assembly occurs, leading to the formation of various new non-covalent bonds. In our system, microflow space serves as a catalyst for non-covalent bond formation; it remarkably accelerates non-covalent bond formation with favorable collision and energetic and steric effects.