Covalent bond formation via a [2+2] cycloaddition reaction as a tool to alter thermal expansion parameters of organic co-crystals

Abstract

The thermal expansion properties of a co-crystal containing the photodimerization product rctt-tetrakis(4-pyridyl)cyclobutane and resorcinol is reported. The photocycloaddition reaction generates new carbon–carbon bonds in the solid, resulting in a significant decrease in the ability of the co-crystal to expand along the direction of the newly formed bonds.