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Updated: Nov 27, 2025

Synthesis and Characterization of Supramolecular Colloids
Published on: April 22, 2016
Synthesis of Complex Molecular Systems-The Foreseen Role of Organic Chemists
Tobias Schnitzer1,2, Ghislaine Vantomme1,2
1Laboratory of Macromolecular and Organic Chemistry, Eindhoven University of Technology, P.O. Box 513, 5600 MB Eindhoven, The Netherlands.
Abstract:
How to control the self-assembly of complex molecular systems is unknown. Yet, these complex molecular systems are fundamental for advances in material and biomedical sciences. A step forward is to transform one-step self-assembly into multistep synthesis involving covalent and noncovalent reactions. Key to this approach is to explore the chemical space at the frontiers of advanced covalent synthesis and supramolecular chemistry. Herein, we describe a selection of such reported cases and provide a guide for current limitations and insights for future directions. This outlook is meant to trigger collaborations between synthetic organic and supramolecular chemists, to expand the repertoire of organic syntheses working with supramolecular assemblies and thereby join forces to achieve stepwise emergence of molecular complexity in supramolecular systems.
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