Nanotubular Hydrogen-Bonded Organic Framework Architecture of 1,2-Phenylenediboronic Acid Hosting Ice Clusters

A nanotubular
crystal network of a small-molecule compound, 1,2-phenylenediboronic
acid, constituting a hydrogen-bonded organic framework (HOF) architecture
is presented. In contrast to the carbon nanotubes, the intermolecular
connections are based strictly on hydrogen-bonding interactions. Its
uniqueness is additionally enhanced by the existence of the other
two crystal phases characterized by more compact structures. Furthermore,
the experiment and computational analysis show that such channels
may host water clusters, such as water-based polymers similar to the
ones found in the hexagonal structures of ice. Water molecules incorporated
into pores interact weakly with the boronic framework and, thus, are
not responsible for the framework templation.