Multivalency and cooperativity in supramolecular chemistry

Multivalent interactions, which rely upon noncovalent bonds, are essential ingredients in the mediation of biological processes, as well as in the construction of complex (super) structures for materials applications. A fundamental understanding of multivalency in supramolecular chemistry is necessary not only to construct motors and devices on the nanoscale but also to synthesize model systems to provide insight into how biological processes work. This Account focuses on the application of multivalency to supramolecular chemistry in particular and the nanosciences in general.