Clathrate compound

A clathrate or clathrate compound is a type of inclusion compound in which a guest atom, ion, or molecule is enclosed in a cage-like cavity formed by a host molecule or by an extended host lattice. The term is derived from the Latin clatratus, meaning 'with bars' or 'latticed'. According to the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC), clathrates are inclusion compounds "in which the guest molecule is in a cage formed by the host molecule or by a lattice of host molecules". Clathrates occur in several areas of chemistry and materials science. In clathrate hydrates, water molecules form hydrogen-bonded cages that can trap small gases such as methane, carbon dioxide, nitrogen, or hydrogen sulfide. In organic and supramolecular chemistry, hosts such as hydroquinone, urea, thiourea, cyclodextrins, calixarenes, and Dianin's compound can form inclusion compounds with suitable guest molecules. In solid-state chemistry, inorganic clathrates are extended covalent frameworks, commonly based on group 14 elements such as silicon, germanium, or tin, that enclose guest atoms in polyhedral cages. The properties of a clathrate depend on both the host framework and the guest species. Guest atoms or molecules may stabilize a framework, occupy only some cages, influence phase stability, scatter phonons, or provide charge balance. Clathrates are therefore relevant to host–guest chemistry, methane hydrates, gas storage and separation, thermoelectric materials, superconductivity, and synthetic phases formed under unusual or extreme conditions. clathrates: Inclusion compounds in which the guest molecule is in a cage formed by the host molecule or by a lattice of host molecules.