Chapter 12 - 3D-nets as specific synthetic targets — Crystal Engineering

Abstract

This chapter discusses the synthetic strategy behind the preparations of 3D-nets as specific synthetic targets in Crystal Engineering. The possible interactions that is used to the net are covalent bonds, coordination bonds, hydrogen bonds, and by connecting the building blocks. There are some reaction conditions while preparing the nets related to solvents and concentrations, templating agents, methods of crystallization, hydrothermal or solvothermal methods, and grinding and kneading, mechanochemical methods. The synthesis of porous, enantiomerically pure, 3D-nets has been dubbed “the Holy Grail of Crystal Engineering.” In addition, polymorphism is defined as a solid crystalline phase of a given compound resulting from the possibility of at least two crystalline arrangements of the molecule of that compound in the solid state. Furthermore, no re-crystallization should take place during transformations and should demonstrate the porosity through gas sorption isotherms. The chapter also provides specific properties of nets and their analysis.