Combined Analysis Based on a Crystalline Sponge Method

Abstract

The crystalline sponge (CS) method was developed as an X-ray crystallographic molecular structure analysis method that can be performed without the need for crystallization of the analyte. CS has strong molecular recognition properties and a highly flexible framework. The amount of analyte can be reduced to sub-milligram level.These features of the crystalline nano-space allow for the determination of the absolute structure of a trace analyte. In this review, we focus on the discovery of the CS method and its applications to biosynthetic products in combination with NMR spectroscopy.We also describe some examples of the CS method that is used mainly in combination with mass spectrometry (MS). Both approaches demonstrate the potential of microanalysis to determine the molecular structure of an unknown sample. Finally, we mention the use of a crystalline "nano-surface" rather than a crystalline nano-space in MS, which can detect small metabolites as well as post-translation biomolecules.

Encapsulation of N-containing compounds in a new hydrophilic Cd-based crystalline sponge via coordinative alignment method

“…Since this technique was introduced, the method has been applied to a number of research fields for the structure determination of compounds that are difficult to isolate and/or are produced in minute quantities. [2][3][4][5] For example, in synthetic organic chemistry structure determination of metabolites, 2,6,7 reaction intermediates [8][9][10] and short-lived species, 11 were possible by applying the CSM. In addition, several reaction mechanisms were studied by utilising the CSM technique.…”

Applications of the crystalline sponge method and developments of alternative crystalline sponges

“…There have been several reviews published so far detailing the history, proof of concept, and developments in the field. [5][6][7][8] However, the field is growing rapidly and hence an update on the progress is of interest, and all recent developments are documented in this review.…”