Crystal engineering is governed by the nature and structural consequences of intermolecular forces, and the way in which such interactions are utilized for controlling the assembly of molecules into predictable structural motifs. A vital part of crystal engineering is therefore dedicated to finding robust intermolecular interactions that can be used as reliable connectors (microscopic ‘glue’) between molecules.

We have demonstrated that certain molecular building blocks have a propensity to form low-dimensional assemblies via complementary hydrogen bonds, Scheme 1.

Through systematic structural studies, synthesis, and theory, we have been able to devise new strategies for how we can design and build robust molecular scaffolding that can form the structural backbone in new functional solids. Furthermore, in an effort to organize transition-metal complexes into specific architectures, we have combined the geometric features of well-known coordination complexes with intermolecular connectors, in the design of new extended structures. Scheme 2. A better understanding of solid-state assembly can lead to advances in the design of functional materials for separation, catalysis, magnetism, and nonlinear optical applications.