Solid-State Self-Assembly: Exclusive Formation and Dynamic Interconversion of Discrete Cyclic Assemblies Based on...

Area of Science:

• Supramolecular Chemistry
• Materials Science
• Organic Chemistry

Background:

• Solid-state self-assembly is challenging compared to solution-based systems.
• Molecular tweezers are versatile building blocks for supramolecular structures.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a solid-state self-assembly strategy for molecular tweezers.
• To investigate the formation of well-defined assemblies in the solid state.
• To explore tunable properties and dynamic behavior of solid-state assemblies.

Main Methods:

• Classical recrystallization of molecular tweezers.
• Exposure of molecular tweezers powders to solvent vapor.
• Characterization of solid-state assemblies and their properties.

Main Results:

• Exclusive and quantitative formation of cyclic hexamers or porous networks from flexible molecular tweezers.
• Cyclic hexamers exhibit high thermal stability and moderate solid-state fluorescence.
• Heterologous assemblies allow tuning of properties; solvent vapor induces dynamic interconversion.

Conclusions:

• Demonstrated a novel solid-state self-assembly strategy for molecular tweezers.
• Achieved controlled formation of discrete and extended solid-state architectures.
• Established a platform for dynamic control over solid-state supramolecular structures.