Molecule-mimetic chemistry and mesoscale self-assembly

Abstract

Molecules are structured aggregates of atoms joined by chemical bonds; crystals are aggregates of molecules, interacting covalently or noncovalently. The work described in this Account uses molecules, crystals, and other forms of atomic/molecular matter to suggest principles that can be used in generating structured aggregates df millimeter-scale components, interacting through capillary interactions. The properties of these aggregates-that is, their "chemistry"-mimic aspects of the chemistry of molecules.