Complex structures arising from the self-assembly of a simple organic salt

Molecular self-assembly is the spontaneous association of simple molecules into larger and ordered structures1. It basis several natural processes, such as formation colloids, crystals, proteins, viruses double-helical DNA2. has inspired strategies for rational design materials with specific chemical physical properties3, one most important concepts in supramolecular chemistry. Although molecular been extensively investigated, understanding rules governing this phenomenon remains challenging. Here we report on a hydrochloride salt fampridine that crystallizes four different structures, two which adopt unusual self-assemblies consisting polyhedral clusters chloride pyridinium ions. These structures represent Frank–Kasper (FK) phases small rigid organic molecule. discovered metal alloys4,5 more than 60 years ago, FK have recently observed classes soft matter6–11 gold nanocrystal superlattices12 remain object recent discoveries13. In these systems, atoms or spherical assemblies are packed to form polyhedra coordination numbers 12, 14, 15 16. The reported here crystallize from dense liquid phase show complexity generally not molecules. Investigation precursor by cryogenic electron microscopy reveals presence aggregates sizes ranging between 1.5 4.6 nanometres. together experimental procedure used their preparation, invite interesting speculation about open perspectives crystalline materials. crystallization distinct indicating complex self-assembled can arise salts.