Porous organic molecular crystals are of particular interest to crystal engineers because of their potential applications in small molecule storage, separation and catalysis. Compared to network solids, molecular solids present advantages for processing related to their solubility and ease of derivatization. Our research group recently established the microporosity of a carboxylated polyphenylarene crystal structure, which retains crystallinity even after solvent evaporation. The extrinsically porous structure of this compound is largely directed by aromatic stacking, and hydrogen bonding. We have synthesized new derivatives bearing various functional groups to probe their steric and electronic effects on the molecular packing and the surface polarity of the pores. Crystal structures of the new derivatives exhibit different catenation modes of hydrogen-bonded sheets and provide insights into interplay between the two synthons. Preliminary gas adsorption experiments demonstrate the new materials’ promise for hydrogen storage and carbon dioxide capture

Carboxylated polyphenylarenes: A new family of tunable porous organic crystal

249th National Meeting (2015)

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.