Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 22, 2026

Controlling the Size, Shape and Stability of Supramolecular Polymers in Water
Published on: August 2, 2012
Degree of molecular self-sorting in multicomponent systems.
Manik Lal Saha1, Michael Schmittel
1Center of Micro and Nanochemistry and Engineering, Department of Chemistry and Biology, Organische Chemie I, Universität Siegen, Adolf-Reichwein-Str. 2, D-57068 Siegen, Germany.
This study introduces principles for guiding self-sorting in complex mixtures, enabling the creation of ordered multicomponent architectures. A new classification and formula (M) are proposed to quantify self-sorting degrees.
Area of Science:
- Molecular programming
- Supramolecular chemistry
- Materials science
Background:
- Self-sorting is the spontaneous recognition and organization of components in a mixture.
- Managing self-sorting requires molecular programming expertise.
- Higher degrees of self-sorting are desirable for advanced applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present principles for guiding self-sorting of multiple components.
- To facilitate the formation of self-sorted multicomponent architectures.
- To introduce a systematic classification and evaluation formula (M) for self-sorting.
Main Methods:
- Development of guiding principles for multicomponent self-sorting.
- Proposal of a systematic classification for self-sorting systems.
- Introduction of a quantitative formula (M) to evaluate self-sorting degree.
Main Results:
- Emerging principles for directing the self-sorting of several components are presented.
- A systematic classification scheme for self-sorted systems is proposed.
- A formula (M) for evaluating the degree of self-sorting is introduced.
Conclusions:
- The presented principles offer a pathway to guide complex self-sorting processes.
- The proposed classification and formula provide a standardized method for evaluating self-sorting.
- This work advances the field of molecular programming and multicomponent assembly.
Related Concept Videos
A Single-Component System
Comparing Intermolecular Forces: Melting Point, Boiling Point, and Miscibility
Temporary attractive forces like dispersion are present in all molecules, whether they are polar or nonpolar. They...
Law of Independent Assortment
Intermolecular Forces and Physical Properties
Determination of Molar Masses of Polymers I
Chemical and Solubility Equilibria

