Layered porous molecular crystals via interdigitation-directed assembly

Building robust porous molecular architectures with van der Waals interactions holds promise for advancements in catalysis, chemosensing, and separation techniques. In a macroscopic context, grand buildings, toy houses, and jigsaw puzzles can be constructed with bricks, building blocks, and jigsaw pieces, where shape complementarity and structural interdigitation are vital components. Nevertheless, translating this construction approach to the molecular level proves to be a formidable challenge, especially when aiming to create robust and porous architectures. Here, we report a molecular porous crystal featuring a layered packing arrangement in which concaved building blocks are assembled through interdigitation. Despite the prevalence of structural interdigitation, one-dimensional channels spanning across layers emerge as a result of the considerable size and irregular shape of the constituent building blocks. It is further demonstrated that this new type of porous molecular crystals exhibits significant structural flexibility, as well as exceptional thermal and chemical stability.

Automated summary

Building robust porous molecular architectures through van der Waals interactions is promising for catalysis, chemosensing, and separation techniques. This study presents a molecular porous crystal with layered packing and interdigitation of concaved building blocks. Despite the interdigitation, one-dimensional channels emerge due to the irregular shape and size of the constituent building blocks, showing significant structural flexibility and exceptional thermal and chemical stability.