Synthesis of Anthropomorphic Molecules: The NanoPutians
摘要:
Described here are the synthetic details en route to an array of 2-nm-tall anthropomorphic molecules in monomeric, dimeric, and polymeric form. These anthropomorphic figures are called, as a class, NanoPutians. Using tools of chemical synthesis, the ultimate in designed miniaturization can be attained while preparing the most widely recognized structures: those that resemble humans.
cis-1,2-Dimethylcyclobutane-1,2-diol, C6H12O2, crystallizes with five molecules in the asymmetric unit. Of these, two molecules are the building blocks of columns with a complex hydrogen-bonding pattern in their hydrophilic core. The walls of the columns are formed by the lipophilic parts of the molecules. The remaining three molecules of the asymmetric unit build columns with a less complex hydrogen-bonding system. In terms of co-operativity, the most significant feature is the formation of homodromic rings of six hydroxy functions.
Barnier,J.-P.; Conia,J.-M., Bulletin de la Societe Chimique de France, 1976, p. 281 - 284