Crystal engineering with sterically-hindered molecular modules: unique supramolecular synthons and novel molecular self assembly

Abstract

The influence of sterics on the manifestation of supposedly robust supramolecular synthons has been examined in rationally designed molecular modules to afford novel insights as to the molecular self-assembly in the solid state. It is shown that novel molecular modules created by incorporating steric factors can be exploited to engineer porous crystals, which are sustained by hydrogen bonds and metal-ligand coordination bonds.