Channel-dependent conformations of single-strand polymers in organic networks composed of tetrapodal adamantanes with N-heterocyclic moieties

Three tetrapodal adamantanes bearing imidazole (1), benzimidazole (2), and phenylimidazole (3) moieties were designed and synthesized. The co-crystallization of polyethylene glycol (PEG) and tetrapodal molecules provided polymer-inclusion organic crystals (1a-3a). Single crystal X-ray analysis revealed that organic networks possessing various channels were produced by CH/N and CH/π interactions. The PEG chain had zigzag, kink-type, and helical conformations.