Journal Article

PUBDB-2026-01274

http://join2-wiki.gsi.de/foswiki/pub/Main/Artwork/join2_logo100x88.png Making room for reactivity in topochemical transformations under pressure

Lyu, T. ; Lefton, J. B. ; Etter, M.DESY* ; Bhat, S.DESY* ; Liu, W. ; Lv, B. ; Kwan, L. J.Extern* ; Yan, H. (Corresponding author) ; Runchevski, T. (Corresponding author)Extern*

2026
RSC Cambridge

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Please use a persistent id in citations: doi:10.1039/D5SC05793K  doi:10.3204/PUBDB-2026-01274

Abstract: The orderly arrangement of molecules in crystals provides a unique platform for the control of reactivity, where spatial vicinity and orientation of the molecules determine the course of the reaction. Common wisdom assumes that the densest crystal packings of the reactant molecules are most favorable for pressure-induced topochemical reactions. Based on thermodynamic and spatial arguments, here we show that the densest crystal packing may not be the most optimal platform for chemical synthesis. Instead, introducing void space within the crystal lattice significantly improves and even enables chemical reactions. In the case of sorbic acid confined between brucite-type layers, this reactivity is used to modify the optical, spectroscopic and magnetic properties of 2D layers and to synthesize a retrievable polymeric product.

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Contributing Institute(s):

1. DOOR-User (DOOR ; HAS-User)
2. PETRA-D (FS-PETRA-D)

Research Program(s):

1. 632 - Materials – Quantum, Complex and Functional Materials (POF4-632) (POF4-632)
2. 6G3 - PETRA III (DESY) (POF4-6G3) (POF4-6G3)

Experiment(s):

1. PETRA Beamline P61.2 (PETRA III)
2. PETRA Beamline P02.1 (PETRA III)

Appears in the scientific report 2026

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Database coverage:
; ; ; ; Chemical Reactions ; Clarivate Analytics Master Journal List ; Current Contents - Physical, Chemical and Earth Sciences ; DOAJ Seal ; Essential Science Indicators ; IF >= 5 ; Index Chemicus ; JCR ; National-Konsortium ; PubMed Central ; SCOPUS ; Science Citation Index Expanded ; Web of Science Core Collection

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