Supramolecular chemistry of metal complexes in solution

Building on established supramolecular chemistry, metal coordination and organometallic chemistry have been widely explored for supramolecular polymers and nanostructures. Increasingly, research has demonstrated that this approach is promising for the synthesis of novel materials with functions and properties derived from metal elements and their coordination structures. Unique self-assembling behaviour and unexpected supramolecular structures are frequently discovered due to multiple non-covalent interactions in addition to metal coordination. However, an explicit understanding of the synergistic effects of non-covalent interactions for designed synthesis of metal containing assemblies with structure correlated properties remains a challenge to be addressed. Recent literature in the area is highlighted in this review in order to illustrate newly explored concepts and stress the importance of developing well understood and controlled supramolecular chemistry for designed synthesis.