Solid-state synthesis of covalent molecular crystals

Our lab aims to achieve synthetic modularity in covalent crystals by using molecules as building blocks instead of atoms. Molecule-based covalent crystals will bridge the gap between inorganic extended solids with strong electronic and magnetic coupling, and molecular crystals with highly tunable structures. We will employ strategies from organic chemistry and solid-state synthesis at elevated temperatures to study the dynamic chemistry in the gas phase that leads to the formation of intermolecular covalent bonds and successful crystallization.