The organic zeolites now synthesized by Lin, however, have little in common with minerals. In Lin's flasks, these fragments bound together in an extended, three-dimensional network. The most striking characteristics of this network are its extended channels and pores, which are equivalent to those found in the inorganic minerals. In this way, the zeolite pores can, for example, be equipped with special coatings through the simple reactions learnt by every chemistry student. This may make it possible to lure molecules into the pores more selectively than before - for example those of an alcohol, while smaller water molecules remain outside.
Industrial chemists are already excited about their new playground.