Host-guest chemistry

In supramolecular chemistry, host-guest chemistry describes complexes that are composed of two or more molecules or ions held together in unique structural relationships by hydrogen bonding or by ion pairing or by Van der Waals force other than those of full covalent bonds.

The host component is defined as an organic molecule or ion whose binding sites converge in the complex and the guest component is defined as any molecule or ion whose binding sites diverge in the complex.

Common host molecules

• Cyclodextrins
• Calixarenes
• Cucurbiturils
• Porphyrins
• Crown ethers
• Zeolites
• Cryptophanes

Examples

• Inclusion compounds
• Intercalation compounds
• Clathrates
• Cryptands
• Molecular tweezers

See also

• Molecular recognition