Host–guest and network structures of some tetraphenylmethane derivatives

Dinitro and tetracyano derivatives of tetraphenylmethane (TPM) are identified as new host materials that include THF, water and MeCN. The crystal structures of the host–guest complexes are reminiscent to those of the related host compound tetranitrotetraphenylmethane (TNTPM) studied by us previously. Guest loss has been measured quantitatively. The crystal structures are characterized by O–H⋯O, C–H⋯O, C–H⋯N and C–H⋯π interactions. It is interesting to note that while the unsubstituted TPM and some of its other derivatives form guest-free crystals, the nitro and cyano derivatives form more open structures.