Exploiting rotational motion in molecular crystals

Various aspects of molecular motion in crystals have been extensively studied in different research fields of chemistry as a valuable source of structural and dynamic information en route to new smart materials and solid-state molecular machines. Recent research efforts have been directed towards engineering crystalline media with specific motile components, namely, amphidynamic crystals, whose dynamics can be exploited to achieve specific functions such as sensing, gas separation and switchable dielectrics. The most promising structural models within this line of pursuit are based upon anisotropic Brownian rotary trajectories. In this highlight, we review the recent advances in this field, with particular emphasis on potential applications. This summary should provide useful guidelines for further development of this remarkable class of materials.