C.i. PROGETTAZIONE MOLECOLARE E CHIMICA INORGANICA SUPRAMOLECOLARE
Module PROGETTAZIONE MOLECOLARE
Academic Year 2025/2026 - Teacher:
COSIMO GIANLUCA FORTUNA
Expected Learning Outcomes
The course aims to introduce the fundamentals of Supramolecular Chemistry, with particular emphasis on inorganic aspects, through the study of non-covalent forces and interactions, self-assembly processes, and the role of metal ions in the formation of functional structures. Examples from biological and natural systems will be discussed to illustrate how supramolecular principles govern the creation of complex architectures. The course will also present the logic of supramolecular design and how to translate theoretical principles into the synthesis of species with targeted chemical and physical properties.
In accordance with the Dublin Descriptors, the course contributes to the development of:
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Knowledge and understanding: hierarchical principles, thermodynamic and kinetic balance, and the role of conformations in modulating polymer properties.
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Applied skills: the ability to apply acquired knowledge through examples from textbooks and scientific literature.
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Judgment autonomy: critical evaluation of the logical-deductive processes employed in supramolecular design.
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Communication skills: clear and rigorous presentation of scientific concepts and logical pathways.
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Learning skills: developed through classroom discussions and assessed via oral examination.
Course Structure
The teaching methods adopted during the course include lectures, interactive and/or cooperative sessions, aimed at acquiring knowledge of Supramolecular Inorganic Chemistry (for a total of 21 hours). In addition, practical exercises, individual research activities, and group work are planned, with the goal of developing the ability to apply the acquired basic knowledge in a critical and informed manner.
Required Prerequisites
Knowledge in Inorganic Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Physical Chemistry, and Analytical Chemistry is required.
Attendance of Lessons
Attendance is regulated by the academic regulations. Regular and consistent participation significantly enhances understanding of the subject and increases the likelihood of success in the exam.
Detailed Course Content
Supramolecular Inorganic Chemistry: definition and historical background; fields of study, with particular attention to the differences and connections between molecular chemistry and supramolecular chemistry.
Principles of Supramolecular Chemistry: electrostatic, Van der Waals, dispersion, and stacking interactions; hydrogen bonding; hydrophobic effect; solvent effects. Chelate, macrocyclic, and cryptate effects; cooperativity. Concept of molecular preorganization. Thermodynamic and kinetic aspects.
Molecular Recognition and Self-Assembly: self-assembling molecular systems; molecular architectures and structure-property relationships. Receptors for cations (calixarenes, siderophores); Hofmeister series; receptors for anions; principles of molecular design.
Supramolecular Nanosystems: main nanosystems and strategies for their construction.
Main Applications: catalysis; biomedical applications; sensing and sensor devices; molecular machines, both natural and artificial.
Textbook Information
Supramolecular Chemistry: Fundamentals and Applications (Autori: Beer, Barendt, lim), Oxford Chemistry Primers;
Learning Assessment
Learning Assessment Procedures
Examples of frequently asked questions and / or exercises
Concepts of complementarity and preorganization; Chelate effect; Macrocyclic and cryptate effects; Cooperativity; Techniques for the study of supramolecular systems; Hofmeister series; Receptors for cation binding; Receptors for anion binding; Explain the concept of self-assembly in Supramolecular Chemistry and describe how non-covalent interactions drive the formation of ordered structures; Provide an example of a natural or inorganic system in which self-assembly plays a fundamental role.
