Tetrahedral guest in a tetrahedral cavity: a neopentane molecule encaged in a three-dimensional cadmium cyanide framework

Abstract

The mineralomimetic three-dimensional framework of cadmium cyanide, like cristobalite or cubic ice, enchlathrates a neopentane (2,2-dimethylpropane) molecule with an orientation such that the respective C–Me bonds direct toward the tetrahedral corners of the adamantane-like cage cavity, whereas carbon tetrachloride encaged in the same host distributes the C–Cl bonds statistically about the threefold axis of the cubic crystal.