High-performance n-hexane purification by nonporous adaptive crystals of leaning pillar[6]arene

Abstract

The production of high-purity n-hexane under mild conditions is of great significance in both the petrochemical industry and synthetic chemistry. Here, we report an easy-to-operate and energy-efficient n-hexane purification strategy using nonporous adaptive crystals of perethylated leaning pillar[6] arene (EtLP6). Adaptive EtLP6 crystals preferentially absorb n-hexane over other branched or cyclic C6 alkanes with similar boiling points. This selectivity arises from the different thermodynamic stabilities and variabilities of EtLP6 crystalloids loaded with n-hexane and other C6 alkanes. Moreover, the reversible transformations between the nonporous guest-free and n-hexane-containing structures make the EtLP6 crystals highly recyclable.