Metal Complexes in Co-Crystals

Dear Colleagues,

Host–guest interactions are well studied in the realm of supramolecular chemistry and the intermolecular interactions are often validated from their single-crystal structures. The term co-crystal has been used by chemists and material scientists to describe the crystals that are composed of at least two components in a stoichiometric ratio. Unique properties are realized from co-crystals. Self-assembled metal complexes like (i) discrete coordination rings/cages, (ii) coordination polymers, and (iii) metal–organic frameworks are capable of displaying unique characteristics upon their interaction with guest entities. Weak intermolecular interactions, the switching of physical properties, and unusual chemical reactions in isolated space are a few characteristics of co-crystals but there are many more. The shapes, sizes, and related properties of the self-assembled coordination complexes are tunable, and, therefore, new types of intermolecular interactions are expected from the crystalline state of the host-guest complexes. For example, unexpected solvated crystals are sometimes obtained during the crystallization process. Unfortunately, the intermolecular interactions of such solvated crystals are occasionally ignored and the solvates are often considered as a problem due to their disorder. Such crystals have great potential for the development of interesting intermolecular associations and future host–guest chemistry. This could be estimated by only looking deeply into the crystal structures. Thus, we encourage the discussion of sufficient molecular interactions to consider the solvated molecule as a guest. The interdisciplinary research related to host–guest, solvate crystals, and co-crystallization processes are also welcome.

We are hoping to provide a unique platform to the research findings in the above-mentioned fields, we also aim at covering the research results associated with both experimental and theoretical aspects of intermolecular interactions related to self-assembled metal complexes. A variety of such functional materials collected in a Special Issue of the open access journal, Crystals, will be valuable for the general readers and good reference for professionals involved in this field.

Prof. Dr. Akiko Hori
Prof. Dr. Dillip Kumar Chand
Guest Editors

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• co-crystals
• coordination cages
• coordination polymers
• crystal engineering
• functional materials
• intermolecular interactions
• metal complexes
• metal–organic frameworks
• self-assembly