Synthesis and self-assembly of a D3h symmetric polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon into a rigid 2D honeycomb network

Abstract

D _3h symmetric hexa-peri-hexabenzocoronene substituted by three carboxylic acid groups (HBC-COOH) was synthesized. HBC-COOH formed a rigid two-dimensional (2D) honeycomb network at a solid–liquid interface via intermolecular hydrogen bonding interactions. Guest molecules such as coronene can fill the cavities of this porous 2D network.