Solid-State Self-Inclusion: The Missing Link

摘要

Cocrystallization and polymorphism are two of the most well-documented paradigms in the fields of solid-state inclusion chemistry and crystal engineering. Such concepts are often open to interpretation, as evidenced by the recent debate regarding the differences between solvates, pseudopolymorphs, and cocrystals.[1] Self-inclusion (or, alternatively, self-hosting) in the solid state has been suggested by several authors as a distinct paradigm in supramolecular host-guest chemistry.[2] In considering the literature regarding the concept of self-inclusion, it immediately becomes clear that this topic is currently highly subjective. However, in view of the various cases that have been advanced to date as examples of self-inclusion, it is now possible to identify different levels of the phenomenon. Thus, to forestall future disagreement, it is useful to now consolidate the issue in a rational fashion and to supply the missing piece of the puzzle.