Considering the high level of our knowledge concerning covalent bond formation in the organic chemistry of molecules, our understanding of the principles involved in organic solid design is almost in its infancy. While chemists today are able to synthesize organic molecules of very high complexity using sophisticated methods of preparation, they lack general approaches enabling them to reliably predict organic crystalline or solid structures from molecular descriptors - no matter how simple they are. On the other hand, nearly all the organic matter surrounding us is not in the single-molecule state but aggregated and condensed to form liquid or solid molecular assemblages and structural arrays giving rise to the appearances and properties of organic compounds we usually observe. Obviously, the electrical, optical or magnetic properties of solid organic materials that are important requirements for future technologies and high-tech applications, as well as the stability and solubility behavior of a medicament depend on the structure of the molecule and the intramolecular forces, but even more decisively on the intermolecular forces, i. e. the packing structure of the molecules to which a general approach is lacking. This situation concerned ]. Maddox some years ago to such a degree that he described it as "one of the continuing scandals in the physical sciences" [see (1998) Nature 335:201; see also Ball, P. (1996) Nature 381:648]. The problem of predicting organic solid and crystal structures is very dif- cult.

Considering the high level of our knowledge concerning covalent bond formation in the organic chemistry of molecules, our understanding of the principles involved in organic solid design is almost in its infancy. While chemists today are able to synthesize organic molecules of very high complexity using sophisticated methods of preparation, they lack general approaches enabling them to reliably predict organic crystalline or solid structures from molecular descriptors - no matter how simple they are. On the other hand, nearly all the organic matter surrounding us is not in the single-molecule state but aggregated and condensed to form liquid or solid molecular assemblages and structural arrays giving rise to the appearances and properties of organic compounds we usually observe. Obviously, the electrical, optical or magnetic properties of solid organic materials that are important requirements for future technologies and high-tech applications, as well as the stability and solubility behavior of a medicament depend on the structure of the molecule and the intramolecular forces, but even more decisively on the intermolecular forces, i. e. the packing structure of the molecules to which a general approach is lacking. This situation concerned ]. Maddox some years ago to such a degree that he described it as "one of the continuing scandals in the physical sciences" [see (1998) Nature 335:201; see also Ball, P. (1996) Nature 381:648]. The problem of predicting organic solid and crystal structures is very dif- cult.

Perspectives in Supramolecular Chemistry relates recent developments and new exciting approaches in supramolecular chemistry. The series covers al areas from theoretical and modelling espects through organic and inorganic chemistry and biochemistry to materials, solid-state and polymer sciences reflecting the many and varied applications of supramolecular structures in modern chemistry.

Crystal engineering is one of the fastest growing areas in supramolecular chemistry because it is able to define design strategies that link structure with properties of useful solids.

Crystal Design is the first book that emphasises this continuity between what a crystal is and what a crystal can do. Written by experts, this book establishes connections between the structures of molecular materials and their properties and links the domains of intermolecular interactions, crystal structures and crystal properties. Without interactions there cannot be structures, and without worthwhile properties as a goal, there cannot be sufficient reason for designing structures. The many advances that have been made during this process are described in this book.

Crystal Design follows on from an earlier volume in the series entitled The Crystal as a Supramolecular Entity. While the earlier volume was conceptual in its theme, this volume concerns methodology and practice, the nuts-and-bolts of crystal engineering. Among the topics covered are network structures, hydrogen bonds as design elements, microporous solids, polymorphism, ferromagnetism and sensors. The systems described cut across traditional organic and inorganic divisions of chemistry.