Diversifying molecular and topological space via a supramolecular solid-state synthesis: a purely organic mok net sustained by hydrogen bonds.

A three-dimensional hydrogen-bonded network based on a rare topology has been constructed using an organic molecule synthesized in the solid state. The molecule is obtained using a supramolecular protecting-group strategy that is applied to a solid-state [2+2] photodimerization. The photodimerization affords a novel head-to-head cyclo-butane product. The cyclo-butane possesses tetrahedrally disposed -hydrogen-bond donor (phenolic) and -hydrogen-bond acceptor (pyridyl) groups. The product self-assembles in the solid state to form a network that exhibits twofold interpenetration. The cyclo-butane adopts different conformations to provide combinations of hydrogen-bond donor and acceptor sites to conform to the structural requirements of the net.