Crystalline Sponge Precursor for Large and Polar Molecule Clathration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional crystalline sponge methods are limited in their ability to clathrate large, polar, or amphiphilic molecules, and require significant time and labor for sample preparation in single-crystal structure analysis.

Innovation Solution

A single crystal with three-dimensionally assembled host molecules and crystallization-promoting molecules that accommodate target molecules in both internal spaces and between host molecules, allowing for regular arrangement and efficient precipitation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional crystalline sponge methods are used, then small molecules can be clathrated, but large molecules, polar molecules, or amphiphilic molecules cannot be clathrated

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveclathration capabilityVSAvoidclathration success rate
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent modifies the host molecule structure by introducing polar groups (such as -OH, -NH2, -COOH) and adjusting cavity size parameters to accommodate different types of guest molecules including large, polar, and amphiphilic molecules that cannot be clathrated by conventional non-porous or small-cavity sponges

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates composite crystalline sponge systems by combining organic framework molecules with inorganic components or functional additives that enhance polarity matching and interaction capabilities, enabling successful clathration of diverse molecule types including amphiphilic and polar compounds

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Measurement precision

If single-crystal structure analysis is performed on unknown or hard-to-crystallize compounds, then molecular structure determination is achieved, but sample preparation requires much time and labor

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemolecular structure determination accuracyVSAvoidsample preparation time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a mediator molecule that facilitates crystal formation by acting as a template or nucleation agent during the crystallization process, enabling rapid formation of high-quality single crystals from difficult-to-crystallize compounds without requiring extensive sample preparation time

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent performs preliminary optimization of crystallization conditions including solvent selection, temperature gradients, and concentration ratios before actual crystal growth, allowing rapid and reproducible formation of suitable single crystals for structure analysis on the first attempt

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Adaptability or versatility

If conventional crystalline sponges are used, then clathration of small molecules is possible, but they are not suitable for clathration of polar or amphiphilic molecules

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemolecule type compatibilityVSAvoidclathration suitability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces local polar functional groups at specific locations on the host molecule surface and within the cavity interior to create localized polarity zones that match and attract polar or amphiphilic guest molecules, while maintaining the overall structural integrity and clathration capability for diverse molecule types

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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 crystal structure analysis of large, polar, or amphiphilic molecules by facilitating efficient clathration and stable single crystal formation, reducing preparation time and labor.

Implementation Method 1

a single crystal in which the host molecules are three-dimensionally regularly assembled, and in which a plurality of target molecules are three-dimensionally regularly arranged in an internal space of the host molecules

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectClathration: Absorption (physical)

Implementation Method 2

each crystallization-promoting molecule has a structure capable of affinity interaction with a wall portion of the host molecule

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAffinity interaction: Adsorption

Implementation Method 3

a single crystal of a porous polymer compound

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCrystallization: Crystallisation

Data Source

PatentEP4722699A1Sample for crystal structure analysis, sample precursor for crystal structure analysis, method for producing sample for crystal structure analysis, and sample preparation kit for crystal structure analysis
Publication Date: 2026.04.08 THE UNIV OF TOKYO
  • EP4722699A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2(b)
  • EP4722699A1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP4722699A1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

The present disclosure provides a sample precursor for crystal structure analysis including a plurality of host molecules and a plurality of crystallization-promoting molecules, a sample for crystal structure analysis obtained by clathration of target molecules in the sample precursor for crystal structure analysis, a method of producing the sample for crystal structure analysis, and a kit for preparing a sample for crystal structure analysis. The sample precursor for crystal structure analysis is capable of clathration even in cases where the molecule of the compound to be analyzed is a relatively large molecule, a polar molecule, an amphiphilic molecule, or the like.