Hydrogen-Bonded Homochiral Molecular Crystals with Mechanical Elasticity and Photomechanical Bending

Molecular crystals with mechanical elasticity and photomechanicalbending based on the homochiral effect are presented. Through homochiralassembly, the V-shaped chiral cyanostilbenes form a hydrogen-bondedstair-like packing and further arrange into tile-window structures.These structures have enough free volume for molecular motions, promotingcrystal flexibility and photoresponses. Notably, the hydrogen bondsplay a dual function in the homochiral crystal. They enhance the resilienceof the crystal to improve elasticity and facilitate force transmissionfrom Z-E isomerization for crystal photobending.Our work broadens the application of the homochiral effect in regulatingdynamic crystal properties.

Automated summary

Molecular crystals with mechanical elasticity and photomechanical bending have been achieved through homochiral assembly. The hydrogen-bonded stair-like packing of V-shaped chiral cyanostilbenes further arranges into tile-window structures, providing enough free volume for molecular motions. The hydrogen bonds in the homochiral crystal enhance crystal resilience and facilitate force transmission for crystal photobending. Our work expands the application of the homochiral effect in regulating dynamic crystal properties.