Efficient Synthesis of Porous Materials for Absorption of Organic Molecules

Methods for mechanochemically synthesizing compositions comprising bridged bicyclic-based compounds such as iptycene-based compounds are generally provided. In some cases, two or more polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons may be mechanochemically reacted such that the product comprises the bridged bicyclic-based compound. In some embodiments, the product (e.g., the bridged bicyclic compound) may comprise two or more [2.2.2] bicyclic cores. In certain embodiments, the mechanochemical reactions described herein may produce higher order bridged bicyclic-based compounds such as oligoiptcyenes or poly-iptycenes. In certain embodiments, the bridged bicyclic based compound comprises a molecular cage.