Self-assembly of well-defined structures by hydrogen bonding

The directionality and specificity of hydrogen bonds are invaluable tools in designing complex self-assembling structures. Hydrogen bonds have been used to construct defined structures ranging from reversible polymeric systems to cyclic arrays and capsules which reversibly bind guest molecules. Recent developments show the emergence of functionality in these structures and suggest future uses of well-defined assemblies in areas as diverse as catalysis and materials science. © 1999 Elsevier Science Ltd.