Template-Controlled Synthesis in the Solid-State

The application of molecular templates to direct reactivity in the solid state is described. Specifically, molecules that function as linear templates are demonstrated to provide control of the [2+2] photodimerization in the solid state such that it is possible to use the templates to conduct target-oriented molecular syntheses, or molecular syntheses by design. The degree of organization provided by the solid state is also shown to provide chemists a reliable means to capture and transform ordered complexes formed by way of hydrogen-bonded-driven self-assembly into complex covalent molecular and polymeric structures.