title: Isolation and structure of higher diamondoids, nanometer-sized diamond molecules.
abstract: We exploited the exceptional thermal stability and diverse molecular shapes of higher diamondoids (C22 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.
authors.affiliation: MolecularDiamond Technologies, ChevronTexaco Technology Ventures, Post Office Box 1627, Richmond, CA 94802, USA.
authors.forename: J E
authors.initials: JE
authors.lastname: Dahl
authors.forename: S G
authors.initials: SG
authors.lastname: Liu
authors.forename: R M K
authors.initials: RM
authors.lastname: Carlson