Crystal engineering. From molecules materials

Crystal engineering is target oriented and property directed synthesis of molecular crystals. The subject may be approached from several directions. To an organic chemist, it is supramolecular retrosynthesis with the synthon approach. To a crystallographer, it is crystal design based on hydrogen bonds and intermolecular interactions. To the materials scientist, it is a new approach wherein ease and modularity of construction is accompanied by diversity and range of properties. In this article, synthetic strategy and property optimisation from a materials viewpoint in some organic and metal-organic systems are discussed. (C) 2003 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.