Crystal Design: Structure and Function Hardback - 2003

The foremost goal of crystal engineering [1] is to tailor the chemical and/or physical properties of crystalline solids through crystal design at the molecular level.

Perspectives in Supramolecular Chemistry relates recent developments and new exciting approaches in supramolecular chemistry. The series covers al areas from theoretical and modelling espects through organic and inorganic chemistry and biochemistry to materials, solid-state and polymer sciences reflecting the many and varied applications of supramolecular structures in modern chemistry.

Crystal engineering is one of the fastest growing areas in supramolecular chemistry because it is able to define design strategies that link structure with properties of useful solids.

Crystal Design is the first book that emphasises this continuity between what a crystal is and what a crystal can do. Written by experts, this book establishes connections between the structures of molecular materials and their properties and links the domains of intermolecular interactions, crystal structures and crystal properties. Without interactions there cannot be structures, and without worthwhile properties as a goal, there cannot be sufficient reason for designing structures. The many advances that have been made during this process are described in this book.

Crystal Design follows on from an earlier volume in the series entitled The Crystal as a Supramolecular Entity. While the earlier volume was conceptual in its theme, this volume concerns methodology and practice, the nuts-and-bolts of crystal engineering. Among the topics covered are network structures, hydrogen bonds as design elements, microporous solids, polymorphism, ferromagnetism and sensors. The systems described cut across traditional organic and inorganic divisions of chemistry.