Isoreticular

Isoreticular refers to a type of crystal structure in which the arrangement of atoms or ions is such that the distances between corresponding atoms or ions in different unit cells are the same. This concept is particularly relevant in the study of zeolites and other porous materials, where the uniformity of the pore structure is crucial for their properties and applications.

In isoreticular materials, the topology of the pore system remains constant, while the size of the pores can be varied by changing the size of the building units. This allows for the creation of a family of materials with similar structural features but different pore sizes, which can be tailored for specific applications such as catalysis, gas storage, and separation processes.

The term "isoreticular" was first introduced by Yaghi and co-workers in 2005, and since then, it has become a widely used concept in the design and synthesis of porous materials. The isoreticular approach has enabled the development of a diverse range of materials with unique properties and applications, making it an important area of research in materials science and chemistry.