Abstract: The crystal structure of tetrakis[(pyrrol-1-yl)methyl]methane was determined by X-ray diffraction measurement, and the result shows that it belongs to monoclinic crystal system, space group is P2₁/n, with a=0.9284(3) nm, b=1.0950(6) nm, c=1.8749(8) nm; α=γ= 90.00(4)°, β=103.63(3)°, V=1.8523(14) nm³, Z=4, ρ_calcd.=1.192 kg/m³, μ=0.072 nm^-1, F(000)=712, R₁=0.0854, wR₂=0.1884. It has been found that the molecules exist in two enantiomeric states. Enantioselective self-assemblies such as one-dimensional molecular stacks in a single handedness, homochiral monolayers and a chiral superlattice are specified in this racemic crystal. In addition, a simple technique is advocated to distinguish chiral states from tetrahedral molecules in the solid state. The present R/S nomenclature of the tetracooradinated carbon centers is used solely for its convenience to distinguish the two enantiomeric states, but not used to determine the absolute configurations.

Key words: Achiral molecule, Racemic crystal, Central chirality, Enantioselective self-assembly, Chiral superlattice