In the modern world of fast paced research and a stronger focus on when there is enough data for a paper, rather than when we are sure we know the subject under study, it is a pleasure to read the paper “Properties and self-assembled packing morphology of long alkyl-chained substituted polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxanes (POSS) cages” from the lab of Professor Alan R. Bassindale. In this paper every rock has been turned and you can, either by scrutinizing the data, or by reading the paper, get introduced to polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane cages and the difference in packing between cages with a spacer group and without.
Ellen L. Heeley and co-workers take us through the investigation of the phases of two POSS cages, one with long alkyl chains directly affixes to the corners of the cages, and one where a flexible liner is introduced between the cage and the alkyl chain. A quite drastic effect in the packing of the alkyl chains in the molecular materials is found. There is no room in the cages with directly attached alkyl chains for the molecules to form an interdigitated alkyl layer in the structure. In the system where there is able room to interdigitate, a lamellar-like structure is obtained, with segregated layers of alkyl-grease and layers of glass-boxes.
To see the data first hand go to:
Properties and self-assembled packing morphology of long alkyl-chained substituted polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxanes (POSS) cages
Ellen L. Heeley, Darren J. Hughes, Youssef El Aziz, Ian Williamson, Peter G. Taylor and Alan R. Bassindale
Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys., 2013, 15, 5518-5529.
DOI: 10.1039/C3CP44356F
by Dr Thomas Just Sørensen
