1. Could you explain the significance of your article to the non-specialist? 

This paper features the recyclability of metallic organic conductors with characteristic channel structure tailored by the strong and directional I...N iodine bond. High yield recovery of the neutral pi-donor was accomplished by a simple chemical reaction, i.e. heating in a wet solvent. The recovery yields are sufficiently high (around 90%), and the characteristic channels, which allow water molecules to access the cation radicals deep in the crystal, are essential for the smooth progress of the recovery process. To our knowledge, this is the first example of a recyclable organic conductor and the simplicity of the recovery reaction is striking.

2. What has motivated you to conduct this work? 

Most interest of the researchers of organic conductors has been concentrated on the characteristic phenomena of low temperature physics, such as superconductivity, magnetic ordering and so on. On the other hand, organic conductors are crystalline materials, and their crystal structures are unique compared with those of common organic crystals. We believe that there should be a wider frontier of chemistry on organic conductors derived from the uniqueness of their crystal structures. Uniqueness of the crystal structure of the present hexagonal system is outstanding, and the channel structure tailored by the iodine bond seems suitable for the pathway of chemical reagents. Therefore, we have decided to investigate the reactivity of the crystals as the first step to explore a new frontier of chemistry on organic conductors.

3. Where do you see this work developing in the future? 

Material design for recyclability is an important factor to extend potential uses of organic materials in industry. Our initial results have provided the first example of the recyclability of organic conductors and it will stimulate new researches on the utilization of organic conductors. On the other hand, improvement of the channel structure itself is also interesting. Modifications of the donor skeleton will make it possible to tune the channel structure, and introduction of the guest molecule with functionality other than electrical conductivity is promising to develop multi-functionalized organic conductors. 

4. Are there any particular challenges facing future research in this area? 

 We have long been exploring a general method for controlling the crystal structure of organic conductors, and the introduction of the strong and directional I...X iodine bond is one of the most successful methods to construct unique molecular assemblies. We will continuously aim to achieve full-control of the whole crystal system and the development of novel organic materials with unique chemical and/or physical properties derived from their controlled molecular arrangement.