Premium
Stereoisomerization during Molecular Packing
Author(s) -
Xu Shidang,
Duan Yukun,
Manghnani Purnima,
Chen Chengjian,
Kozlov Sergey M.,
Liu Bin
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
advanced materials
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 10.707
H-Index - 527
eISSN - 1521-4095
pISSN - 0935-9648
DOI - 10.1002/adma.202100986
Subject(s) - isomerization , intramolecular force , materials science , chemical physics , molecule , acceptor , quantum , catalysis , chemistry , stereochemistry , organic chemistry , condensed matter physics , physics , quantum mechanics
Isomerization is an essential chemical process that often evokes dramatic change of chemical, physical, or biological properties. For a long time, isomerization has been known as a transformation that is induced by certain external energy such as light, heat, or mechanical force. Herein, a new isomerization phenomenon is described, which does not require external energy but simply occurs during molecular packing. The proposed isomerization is demonstrated by a series of symmetric donor–acceptor–donor (D–A–D) molecules, the donor of which may adopt two different stereoisomeric forms. Based on the evidence of the asymmetric isomers in crystals, the occurrence of isomerization during molecular packing is proved. Moreover, the unique asymmetric geometry in the solid state favors the restriction of intramolecular motion, resulting in highly efficient organic solids with quantum yields approaching unity.