Multi-step non-covalent synthesis

Non-covalent synthesis of supramol. objects is generally based on the self-assembly of the same components or the assembly of a mixt. of different components under the adequate conditions. Solvent, temp. and concn. tune these processes. In order to create supramol. objects that cannot be formed by simple (self-)assembly, novel approaches are to be discovered, ultimately leading to multi-step non-covalent synthesis. Our progress in this new direction of supramol. chem. is illustrated with the synthesis of nano-sized dendritic objects. These water-insol. dendrimers are first supramolecularly modified in org. solvents, by which the complex becomes water-sol. Then supramol. substitution reactions have been used to connect, again in a non-covalent fashion, oligopeptides and labeling units. The scope and limitations of multi-step non-covalent synthesis will be discussed.