Programming Rapid Functional Group Diversification into a Solid-State Reaction: Aryl Nitriles for Self-Assembly, Click Reactivity, and Discovery of Coexisting Supramolecular Synthons

A method to rapidly diversify the molecules formed in organic crystals is introduced, with aryl nitriles playing a novel dual role as both hydrogen-bond acceptors and modifiable organic groups. The discovery of coexisting supramolecular synthons in the same crystal is also described. The general concept is demonstrated by using a bis(aryl nitrile) alkene that undergoes a hydrogen-bond-directed intermolecular [2+2] photodimerization to form a tetra(aryl nitrile)cyclobutane. The product is readily converted by click reactivity to a tetra(aryl tetrazole) and by hydrolysis to a tetra(aryl carboxylic acid). The integration of aryl nitriles into solid-state reactions opens broad avenues to post-modify products formed in crystalline solids for rapid diversification.

Automated summary

This article introduces a method to rapidly diversify the molecules formed in organic crystals by using aryl nitriles as both hydrogen-bond acceptors and modifiable organic groups. The discovery of coexisting supramolecular synthons in the same crystal is also described. The method is demonstrated using a bis(aryl nitrile) alkene that undergoes a hydrogen-bond-directed intermolecular [2+2] photodimerization to form a tetra(aryl nitrile)cyclobutane. The product can be easily converted by click reactivity to a tetra(aryl tetrazole) or by hydrolysis to a tetra(aryl carboxylic acid). The integration of aryl nitriles into solid-state reactions opens up broad avenues for the post-modification of products formed in crystalline solids for rapid diversification.