Introduction to the Molecular Recognition and Self-Assembly Special Feature

Molecular recognition is a mature branch of chemical science, and why shouldn't it be? Decades of studies in physical organic chemistry have defined and evaluated the weak intermolecular forces involved when 2 molecules encounter each other. Every bimolecular reaction, whether it occurs in the gas phase, dilute solution, or an enzyme's interior, begins with a recognition event. It is an apt time to explore recognition in a larger context, that of multicomponent assemblies, and this special issue of 14 contributions is a beginning.