Matching of molecular and supramolecular symmetry. An exercise in crystal engineering

Abstract

With the aim of understanding the transfer of molecular threefold symmetry into supramolecular systems, the crystal structures of 2,4,6-tris(5-chloro-3-pyridyloxy)-1,3,5-triazine, 1,3,5-tris(3-methylphenyl)benzene and 1,3,5-tripyrrolylbenzene are described. In all three cases, C₃ molecular symmetry is carried over into hexagonal crystal packing. This is rationalized in terms of the supramolecular or void symmetry and the relevant intermolecular interactions.