The value of neutron and X-ray small-angle scattering for studying self assembly of molecular-sized units into interesting chemical and electrical structures is illustrated with three different types of system. The amphiphilic nature of a polyacetylene-polyisoprene [(CH)xPI] AB block copolymer and some of the structure arising from this are seen in neutron scattering from (CD)xPI solids and solutions. The action of template molecules in zeolite synthesis is discussed and template action of the tetrapropylammonium ion at room temperature in soluble silicate gels demonstrated. Finally, very large interplatelet spacings in clay sols are recorded using small-angle X-ray scattering and the swelling behaviour of these systems is characterized. Their usefulness for pillared clay synthesis is discussed.