Microporous materials possess interconnected pores of <2 nm in diameter which generate large and accessible internal surface areas that can be harnessed for heterogeneous catalysis, adsorption, gas separation and gas storage. Until recently, this field was dominated by inorganic frameworks (zeolites, Metal-Organic-Frameworks) and amorphous network structures (carbons, silica), but recent research has shown that organic polymers such as PIMs (Polymers of Intrinsic Microporosity) can behave as microporous materials. Here we focus on the potential of discrete molecules of well-defined molecular mass termed OMIMs (Organic Molecules of Intrinsic Microporosity) and DIMs (Dendrimers of Intrinsic Microporosity) to act as microporous materials by virtue of their inability to pack space efficiently. Modeling by Torquato et al. shows that shapes with concave faces pack the least efficiently. Consequently we have designed a series of precursors 1- 11 that possess either a spiro-center (e.g. spirobisfluorenes) or a molecular geometry containing concavities (triptycenes, propellanes ), as well as possessing the necessary catechol or o-fluorine reactive functionality to be combined to form extended molecules with the potential ability to form microporous solids (Figure 1).
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