Crystals (Oct 2024)

Integrating and Exploiting Molecular, Supramolecular, and Time Crystal Synthons in Advanced Synthesis

  • Indrajit Chakraborty,
  • Tusar Kanti Dutta,
  • Sudipta Ray,
  • Deepak Kumar,
  • Pathik Sahoo

DOI
https://doi.org/10.3390/cryst14100901
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 14, no. 10
p. 901

Abstract

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Molecular reactions occur through functional groups that drive covalent synthesis. These reactions often proceed via catalytic processes, leading to the formation of time crystals, which can be integrated into shared molecules or reactions—a concept referred to as the time crystal synthon. The concept of time crystal synthons, introduced by Sahoo, pushes these ideas into the temporal realm, where molecular assemblies exhibit periodic behavior over time. This temporal aspect allows the creation of materials with unique functionalities, such as enhanced stability and responsiveness to external stimuli. A molecular synthon generates a specifically designed molecule within a catalytic reaction cycle or a time crystal. If this molecule or any associated reaction steps can be transferred or shared with a neighboring time crystal to facilitate their integration, it can be identified as a time crystal synthon. Supramolecular synthons, in contrast, enable the assembly of complex structures through non-covalent interactions among the molecules, playing a crucial role in crystal engineering. This paper further explores the applications of these synthons in various domains, including supramolecular architecture design, the integration of time crystal cycles, and the development of advanced materials. By mastering these interconnected synthons, scientists can gain greater control over molecular and material properties, driving advances in nanotechnology, materials science, and beyond. This paper explores the interconnected paradigms of molecular, supramolecular, and time crystal synthons within their respective engineering fields. Molecular synthons are foundational units within molecules, essential for designing and synthesizing new compounds with targeted properties.

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