Prospects for a New Kind of Synthesis: Assembly of Molecular Components to Achieve Functions

Abstract

Molecular scientists now have an opportunity to add an important new dimension to synthesis. Preparation of chemical systems, comprising two or more components, to achieve a function is possible. While rational strategies exist for some simple systems, major advances in fundamental reaction chemistry at the molecular and macromolecular level, especially at interfaces, are required to achieve practically significant synthetic objectives. Synthetic chemical systems inspired by nature and microelectronic devices illustrate some of the aspects of systems synthesis. These example systems include multicomponent catalysts, the photosynthetic apparatus for solar energy conversion, diodes, and transistors.