Modular Porous Coordination Networks for Medium-Molecule Crystallography

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing porous coordination networks (PCNs) face challenges in analyzing medium-sized molecules due to the need for considering both molecular size and shape compatibility, limiting their application in structural analysis and pharmaceutical development.

Innovation Solution

A novel porous coordination network with a three-dimensional structure, represented by specific formulas, incorporating divalent and trivalent metal ions with tridentate and bidentate ligands, allowing for the encapsulation of guest molecules with adjustable pore sizes and shapes, suitable for medium-sized molecules.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If PCN pore size is adjusted to accommodate medium-sized molecules, then the ability to analyze medium-sized molecules is improved, but the complexity of selecting appropriate PCN structures increases due to the need to consider both molecular size and shape compatibility

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveability to analyze medium-sized moleculesVSAvoidcomplexity of selecting appropriate PCN structures
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the PCN structure into modular components (metal ions and organic ligands) that can be independently selected and combined to create different pore configurations. This segmentation allows systematic exploration of structure-guest molecule relationships without having to design entirely new PCNs for each target molecule.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs dynamic computational methods that can adapt the PCN structure to match the shape and size requirements of different medium-sized molecules. The computational models can dynamically adjust pore geometry and topology to optimize guest molecule encapsulation, reducing the need for static pre-designed structures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Measurement precision

If PCN structure is customized to produce isotopically-ordered structures for improved analysis, then measurement precision is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecrystal structure analysis precisionVSAvoidprecision of PCN structure customization
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses computational modeling to create virtual copies of PCN structures with precise isotopic ordering before physical synthesis. These digital models allow verification of structural properties and prediction of analytical performance, enabling refinement of manufacturing protocols to achieve the required precision without trial-and-error approaches.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent systematically varies compositional parameters (metal ion types, ligand structures, stoichiometry) and structural parameters (pore size, shape, topology, isotopic composition) to optimize both the customization capability and manufacturing feasibility. This multi-parameter optimization allows achieving high measurement precision while maintaining reasonable manufacturing precision requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Enables accurate crystal structure analysis of medium-sized molecules, enhancing pharmaceutical development by providing a robust and chemically stable network for structural analysis.

Implementation Method 1

a porous coordination network which has a three-dimensional network structure and in which pores capable of encapsulating guest molecules are formed

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPore formation: Porosity

Data Source

PatentEP4582429A1Porous network complex, method for producing sample for crystal structure analysis and method for determining molecular structure
Publication Date: 2025.07.09 INSTITUTE OF SCIENCE TOKYO
  • EP4582429A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4582429A1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4582429A1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

A porous coordination network is represented by the following formulas (I) to (VIII), in which M2+ is a divalent metal ion, M3+ is a trivalent metal ion, L1a and L1b are tridentate ligands having hexaazaphenalenyl, L2a and L2b are bidentate or tridentate ligands containing a carboxy group, L3- is a tertiary ligand ion that is an anion of triazole or a triazole derivative, and Y is a cation. (Chemical Formula 1)         (M2+)4(L1a-)2(L2a2-)3     formula (I)         (M2+)11(L1a-)6(L2a2-)8     formula (II)         [(M2+)5(L1a-)4(L2a2-)4]·Y2p     formula (III)         [(M2+)2(L1a-)1(L2a2-)2]·Yp     formula (IV)         (M2+)2(L1a-)1(L2b3-)1     formula (V)         [(M2+)3(L1a-)2(L2b3-)2]·Y2p     formula (VI)         [(M2+)8(L1b3-)2(L2a2-)3(L3-)6]·Y2p     formula (VII)         (M2+)5(M3+)1(L1a-)3(L2a2-)5     formula (VIII)