A pair of molecules that combine in an unusual 2:1 ratio to give nano-sized spirals have been brought together by an international research team. Recently, much effort has centred on designing pairs of photoactive molecules that assemble spontaneously to give nanostructures held together by interactions such as hydrogen bonds. Structures containing melamine and imide are particularly interesting as their photoresponsive properties could be used in miniaturising optoelectronics. These two components usually form a 1:1 ratio as they have complementary hydrogen-bonding sites.
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