Illusory Molecular Expression of “Penrose Stairs” by an Aromatic Hydrocarbon

Abstract

Ascending and Descending: A combination of two helical molecules and two twisting covalent axes in the form of a macrocycle conjures an illusory molecular object that has a seemingly impossible molecular structure, that is, an endlessly descending circle that consists of an sp2-carbon network, which can be regarded as the molecular expression of Penrose stairs (see picture). Detailed facts of importance to specialist readers are published as ”Supporting Information”. Such documents are peer-reviewed, but not copy-edited or typeset. They are made available as submitted by the authors. Please note: The publisher is not responsible for the content or functionality of any supporting information supplied by the authors. Any queries (other than missing content) should be directed to the corresponding author for the article.