Escape from a Nonporous Solid: Mechanically Coupled Biconcave Molecules

Abstract

Correlated bond rotations within biconcave molecules that comprise a semirigid C3-symmetric core and pendant m-terphenyl groups (see figure) assist mechanical coupling between the two vertices such that structural changes on one side of the molecule are effectively transmitted to the other side. Self-assembly of one such compound affords a nonporous solid from which entrapped guests can completely escape in the absence of channels that connect interstitial voids.