Molecular system comprising two or more self-assembled molecular, or molecular and ionic, entities held together by means of non-covalent intermolecular binding interactions.
Notes: - While a supramolecular assembly may comprise only two molecular or molecular/ionic entities, for example a DNA double helix or a host-guest complex, the term is more commonly used to denote larger constructs, typically with rod-like, sheet-like, or spherical structures.
- The dimensions of supramolecular assemblies can range from nanometers to micrometers.
- The use of the term supramolecular polymer is discouraged.
Source:
PAC, 2020, 92, 1861. 'Terminology of polymers in advanced lithography (IUPAC Recommendations 2020)' on page 1888 (https://doi.org/10.1515/pac-2018-1215)