Host–guest chemistry

Host–guest chemistry studies complexes in which a host molecule selectively binds a guest through noncovalent interactions, often within a cavity or binding site.

Molecular recognition: Selective association between molecules through complementary structural and chemical features. Host–guest binding is a molecular-recognition process built from complementary interactions.
Supramolecular chemistry: Chemistry concerned with organized assemblies held together by noncovalent interactions. Host–guest complexes are a central class of supramolecular assembly.
Molecular sensor: A device or molecule that detects an analyte by producing a measurable signal. Guest binding can trigger optical or electrochemical signals for analyte detection.
Covalent bond: A chemical bond formed when atoms share one or more pairs of electrons. Host–guest association is generally reversible and does not require covalent bond formation.
Alfred Werner: A Swiss chemist who established the modern theory of coordination compounds. His coordination chemistry helped frame molecular association beyond ordinary covalent structures.
Noncovalent interaction: An interaction between atoms or molecules that does not involve forming a covalent bond. These forces hold host–guest complexes together without changing their covalent structures.
Cyclodextrin: A cyclic oligosaccharide with a hydrophobic cavity and a hydrophilic exterior. Cyclodextrins are widely used hosts whose cavities accommodate many organic guests.
Drug delivery: The administration and release of therapeutic substances in the body. Host cavities can solubilize, protect, or release drug molecules.
Enzyme–substrate complex: A transient complex formed when an enzyme binds its substrate during catalysis. It shares selective binding with host–guest chemistry but is defined by enzyme catalysis.
Charles J. Pedersen: An American chemist who discovered crown ethers and their selective cation binding. His crown ether discovery helped launch modern host–guest chemistry.

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Clathrate compoundNarrower topic: Clathrates are crystalline host–guest systems whose guests occupy lattice cavities.