Isolation and Structure of Higher Diamondoids, Nanometer-Sized Diamond Molecules

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Abstract
We exploited the exceptional thermal stability and diverse molecular shapes of higher diamondoids (C 22 and higher polymantanes) to isolate them from petroleum. Molecules containing 4 to 11 diamond-crystal cages were isolated and crystallized, and we obtained single-crystal x-ray structures for representatives from three families. Rigidity, strength, remarkable assortments of three- dimensional shapes, including resolvable chiral forms, and multiple, readily derivatizable attachment sites make them valuable nanometer-size molecular building blocks.