Alkyl-Alkyl Interactions in the Periphery of Supramolecular Entities: From the Evaluation of Weak Forces to Applications.

Supramolecular chemistry is based on weak intermolecular forces which nevertheless are of importance for chemical processes. In this report the relevance of alkyl-alkyl interactions in supramolecular assemblies is discussed. We show how hierarchically formed helicates can be used to evaluate weak interactions of alkyl groups based on solvent-supported London dispersion. In addition, the role of nano-segregation of alkyl groups in the periphery of supramolecular assemblies is described, as well as how this can be used to improve the properties of liquid-crystalline materials by controlling the alkyl-chain-mediated aggregation process.