self-assembly 

https://doi.org/10.1351/goldbook.08206
Process whereby a system of single-molecule components spontaneously forms an organized structure, owing to molecular recognition.
Source:
PAC, 2022, 94, 353. (Glossary of terms used in physical organic chemistry (IUPAC Recommendations 2021)) on page 502 [Terms] [Paper]
Citation: 'self-assembly' in IUPAC Compendium of Chemical Terminology, 5th ed. International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry; 2025. Online version 5.0.0, 2025. https://doi.org/10.1351/goldbook.08206 RIS BibTex EndNote
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