Juan J. Novoa - Böcker

This volume collects the lecture notes (ordered alphabetically according to the first author surname) of the talks delivered by the main speakers at the Erice 2007 International School of Crystallography, generously selected by NATO as an Advanced Study Institute (# 982582). The aim of the school was to discuss the state-of-the-art in molecular materials design, that is, the rational analysis and fabrication of crystalline solids showing a predefined structural organization of their component molecules and ions, which results in the manifestation of a specific collective property of technological interest. The School was held on June 7–17, 2007, in Erice (an old town, over 3000 years, located on the top of a Sicilian hill that oversees the sea near Trapani). The school developed following two parallel lines. First we established “where we are” in terms of modelling, design, synthesis and applications of crystalline solids with predefined properties. Second, we attempted to define current and possible futuristic lines of development in the quest for novel molecule-based materials with potential applications in magnetism, conductivity and superconductivity, non-lineal optics (NLO), drug delivery, and nanotechnology. In recent years, solid state chemistry and crystal engineering have evolved at the intersection between the top-down and bottom-up approaches towards materials design and fabrication. An ever-increasing number of scientists are learning how to control self-assembly, molecular recognition, and other fundamental processes on the way to achieving ‘tailor-made’ materials, such as crystal nucleation, crystal growth, and polymorphism.

This volume collects the lecture notes (ordered alphabetically according to the first author surname) of the talks delivered by the main speakers at the Erice 2007 International School of Crystallography, generously selected by NATO as an Advanced Study Institute (# 982582). The aim of the school was to discuss the state-of-the-art in molecular materials design, that is, the rational analysis and fabrication of crystalline solids showing a predefined structural organization of their component molecules and ions, which results in the manifestation of a specific collective property of technological interest. The School was held on June 7–17, 2007, in Erice (an old town, over 3000 years, located on the top of a Sicilian hill that oversees the sea near Trapani). The school developed following two parallel lines. First we established “where we are” in terms of modelling, design, synthesis and applications of crystalline solids with predefined properties. Second, we attempted to define current and possible futuristic lines of development in the quest for novel molecule-based materials with potential applications in magnetism, conductivity and superconductivity, non-lineal optics (NLO), drug delivery, and nanotechnology. In recent years, solid state chemistry and crystal engineering have evolved at the intersection between the top-down and bottom-up approaches towards materials design and fabrication. An ever-increasing number of scientists are learning how to control self-assembly, molecular recognition, and other fundamental processes on the way to achieving ‘tailor-made’ materials, such as crystal nucleation, crystal growth, and polymorphism.

The field of crystal engineering concerns the design and synthesis of molecular crystals with desired properties. This requires an in-depth understanding of the intermolecular interactions within crystal structures. This new book brings together the latest information and theories about intermolecular bonding, providing an introductory text for graduates.The book is divided into three parts. The first part covers the nature, physical meaning and methods for identification and analysis of intermolecular bonds. The second part explains the different types of bond known to occur in molecular crystals, with each chapter written by a specialist in that specific bond type. The final part discusses the cooperativity effects of different bond types present in one solid.This comprehensive textbook will provide a valuable resource for all students and researchers in the field of crystallography, materials science and supramolecular chemistry.