The new lattice inclusion host exo-7, exo-15-dibromo-6,7,14,15-tetrahy
dro-6,14 b:5,6-b']diquinoxaline (6) has been synthesized in three step
s from bicycle[3.3.1]nonane-2,6-dione and benzofurazan oxide. It prefe
rentially forms crystalline inclusion compounds with small polyhaloalk
ane guest molecules, and the crystal structure of the 1,1,2,2-tetrachl
oroethane compound [(C21H14N4Br2)(2).C2H2Cl4, Pbcn, a 11 . 663(2), b 1
3 . 195(3), c 27 . 444(5) Angstrom, Z 4, R 0 . 041] is described. The
key characteristic of this compound is a series of molecular boxes in
which the guest molecules reside. Construction of the six surrounding
walls is achieved with the aromatic rings of just four host molecules,
and the guest molecule occupies a fixed position within the box. The
intermolecular forces resulting in formation of this novel inclusion s
tructure are analysed in detail.