Constructing Crystalline Molecular Dipolar Rotor Arrays with Ultra-Large Dipole Moments

Abstract

We aim to synthesize a series of dipolar crystalline molecular rotors with substituted benzene rotators in an extended structure. By taking advantage of the porosity of metal organic frameworks (MOFs), we can fine-tune a large cavity for the dynamic rotator to rotate efficiently in the crystalline phase. This would not only allow one to further investigate the dipole-dipole interactions in these dipolar rotors but also their dynamics at various temperatures. We presume that the ideal MOF pillars with ultra-large dipole moment will allow one to investigate the ferroelectric or antiferroelectric properties even at room temperature. In addition, dynamic study of the rotors under an applied AC field will also be studied in order to further investigate any leads regarding externally controlled rotations in the crystalline phase.