Molecular Geometry Directed Kagomé and Honeycomb Networks: Toward Two-Dimensional Crystal Engineering

We present here the formation of a molecular Kagomé network within a two-dimensional (2D) crystal on a surface. This system provides a clear example of how, by design, molecular geometry can be expressed at the level of the 2D crystal lattice, leading to the formation of open networks. Key elements to control molecular network formation are core symmetry, location and orientation of interacting and connecting substituents, as well as symmetry matching between the networks and the surface.