Designing ionophores and molecular nanotubes based on molecular recognition

In this mini-review we briefly describe intermolecular interactions ranging from hydrogen bonding to ionic interactions to aromatic interactions. Manifestation of these interaction forces is in the design and realization of various ionophores with chemo-sensing capability for biologically important cations and anions. We also explain how the understanding of hydrogen bonding and p-interactions has led to the design of self-assembled organic nanotubes. We further discuss the conformational changes between stacked and edge-to-face conformers in benzoquinone-benzene complexes, which are controlled by alternating electrochemical potential. The resulting flapping motion illustrates a promising pathway toward the design of nanomechanical devices.