Supramolecular catalysis

Supramolecular catalysis refers to an application of supramolecular chemistry, especially molecular recognition and guest binding, toward catalysis. This field precedented by enzymatic system which, unlike classical organic chemistry reactions, utilizes non-covalent interactions such as hydrogen bonding, cation-pi interaction, and hydrophobic forces to accelerate reaction and/or enhanced selectivity . Because enzymes are structurally complex and difficult to modify, supramolecular catalysts offer a potentially simpler model for studying factors involved in catalytic efficiency of the enzyme. Another goal that motivates this field is the development of efficient and practical catalysts that may or may not have an enzyme equivalent in nature. While supramolecular forces no doubt influence many catalytic processes, especially in asymmetric catalysis, none of the examples below has achieved commercialization.