THERMODYNAMICS OF SUPRAMOLECULAR SYSTEMS - RECENT DEVELOPMENTS

Thermodynamic aspects of Supramolecular Chemistry are presented. These include solubility properties of calix(n)arenes and their ester derivatives in various solvents. Particular attention is drawn to the effect of: i) ''allosteric guests'' (reaction media) on the binding properties of calixarene esters toward alkali metal cations; ii) cyclodextrins on the transfer of drugs from water to chloroform. A brief introduction on the role of macrocyclic ligands for the design of new materials is given. An initiative to encourage research on the thermodynamics of new electrolytes and non-electrolytes originating in the developments in the area of Supramolecular Chemistry is suggested.