Molecular shape sorting using molecular organic cages
Mitra, T; Jelfs, KE; Schmidtmann, M; Ahmed, A; Chong, SY; Adams, DJ; Cooper, AI
| HERO ID | 2901806 |
|---|---|
| In Press | No |
| Year | 2013 |
| Title | Molecular shape sorting using molecular organic cages |
| Authors | Mitra, T; Jelfs, KE; Schmidtmann, M; Ahmed, A; Chong, SY; Adams, DJ; Cooper, AI |
| Journal | Nature Chemistry |
| Volume | 5 |
| Issue | 4 |
| Page Numbers | 276-281 |
| Abstract | The energy-efficient separation of chemical feedstocks is a major sustainability challenge. Porous extended frameworks such as zeolites or metal-organic frameworks are one potential solution to this problem. Here, we show that organic molecules, rather than frameworks, can separate other organic molecules by size and shape. A molecular organic cage is shown to separate a common aromatic feedstock (mesitylene) from its structural isomer (4-ethyltoluene) with an unprecedented perfect specificity for the latter. This specificity stems from the structure of the intrinsically porous cage molecule, which is itself synthesized from a derivative of mesitylene. In other words, crystalline organic molecules are used to separate other organic molecules. The specificity is defined by the cage structure alone, so this solid-state 'shape sorting' is, uniquely, mirrored for cage molecules in solution. The behaviour can be understood from a combination of atomistic simulations for individual cage molecules and solid-state molecular dynamics simulations. |
| Doi | 10.1038/nchem.1550 |
| Pmid | 23511415 |
| Wosid | WOS:000317182900010 |
| Is Certified Translation | No |
| Dupe Override | No |
| Is Public | Yes |
| Language Text | English |