Molecular self-assembly is a widespread phenomenon in both chemistry and biochemistry. Yet it was not until the rise of supramolecular chemistry that attention has increasingly been given to the designed self-assembly of a variety of synthetic molecules and ions. To a large extent, success in this area has reflected knowledge gained from nature. However, an increased awareness of the latent steric and electronic information implanted in individual molecular components has also contributed to this success. Whilst not yet approaching the sophistication of biological assemblies, synthetic systems of increasing subtlety and considerable aesthetic appeal have been created. Self-assembly in Supramolecular Systems surveys highlights of the progress made in the creation of discrete synthetic assemblies and provides a foundation for new workers in the area, as well as background reading for experienced supramolecular chemists.

Leonard Lindoy is Professor of Inorganic Chemistry at the University of Sydney. He has had wide experience in Host-Guest and Supramolecular Chemistry. His research has focused on rational receptor design for metalion and small molecule recognition, macrocyclic chemistry and the application of self-assembly processes for the construction of metal-containing supramolecules Ian Atkinson is based at James Cook University in Queensland, where his research interests lie in the application of high performance computing to chemical problems. He has undertaken computational studies across a number of areas that include thermodynamic and chemical aspects of transition metal binding to substrates, self-assembly in supramolecular chemistry and crystal engineering