Tribenzotriquinacene-based polymers of intrinsic microporosity

Bowl-shaped tribenzotriquinacene (TBTQ) derivatives containing hydroxyl groups at their peripheral sites are successful monomers for the synthesis of polymers of intrinsic microporosity (PIMs) with examples of both network and non-network PIMs demonstrated. Nitrogen adsorption measurements reveal apparent surface areas in the range of 560-670 m(2) g(-1) for the TBTQ-PIMs. A network structure and i-propyl, rather than methyl substitution at the apical site of the TBTQ unit, appear to favour porosity.