4 - Effects

Polymers and so-called supramolecular compounds have an increasing role in selective chemical sensing. They may offer extreme selectivity properties and high flexibility. Two different model systems can demonstrate the basis of selective detection. Polymers, like polysiloxanes, utilize the selective bulk absorption of molecules which corresponds to their permselective properties due to specific built-in organic side-chains. Supramolecular compounds, like calixarenes that are bound generally to polymeric surfaces, utilize the incorporation of molecules in cages built up of cyclic organic molecules.