Assembly of organic molecules in the solid state:
from new structural patterns to potential applications
Zhengtao Xu
Department of Biology and Chemistry, City University of Hong Kong, Tat Chee Avenue,
Kowloon, Hong Kong, P.R. China
In the first part, we explore the network formation behaviors of multitopic molecules with
symmetrically backfolded (i.e., centripetally shaped) geometries, in comparison with the
traditional starburst, outgoing shapes of dendrimers. As building blocks for coordination
networks, these molecules can be dissected as consisting of multiple tritopic units
preassembled within a single molecular entity, leading to highly complex networks that
can be dissected as consisting of subnets that are interconnected through Ag(I) ions or the
interconnecting units within the molecules. We will also highlight self-similarity as a
rational design element in the making of advanced network systems.
In the second part, we present the potential applications a series of coordination networks
based on large π-electron ligands or thioether-functionalized multitopic carboxylic acids.
Such applications involve: selective sensing of small aromatic molecules such as
nitrobenzene; solution processable hybrid materials for large-area, low-cost
semiconductive devices; functionalized networks for removing heavy metal species and
for solid state catalysis.