From Molecules to Frameworks to Superframework Crystals

Building chemical structures of complexity and functionality approaching the level of biological systems is an ongoing challenge. A general synthetic strategy is proposed by which progressive levels of complexity are achieved through the building block approach whereby molecularly defined constructs at one level serve as constituent units of the next level, all being linked through strong bonds—”augmented reticular chemistry”. Specifically, current knowledge of linking metal complexes and organic molecules into reticular frameworks is applied here to linking the crystals of these frameworks into supercrystals (superframeworks). This strategy allows for the molecular control exercised on the molecular regime to be translated into higher augmentation levels to produce systems capable of dynamics and complex functionality far exceeding current materials.