Nanotubular Hydrogen-Bonded Organic Framework Architecture of 1,2-Phenylenediboronic Acid Hosting Ice Clusters

Abstract

A nanotubular crystal network of a small-molecule compound, 1,2-phenylenediboronic acid, constituting a hydrogen-bonded organic framework (HOF) architecture is presented. In contrast to the carbon nanotubes, the intermolecular connections are based strictly on hydrogen-bonding interactions. Its uniqueness is additionally enhanced by the existence of the other two crystal phases characterized by more compact structures. Furthermore, the experiment and computational analysis show that such channels may host water clusters, such as water-based polymers similar to the ones found in the hexagonal structures of ice. Water molecules incorporated into pores interact weakly with the boronic framework and, thus, are not responsible for the framework templation.