Universality behaviour for polarity formation in channel-type inclusion compounds

A statistical investigation based on a Markov chain theory of polarity formation applied to channel-type inclusion compounds loaded with both dipolar A–π–D and non-polar N–π–N (N: A or D) guests is presented. The key parameters effecting polarity formation are identified and their effects are explored. A number of paradoxes are set out and an attempt to explain the mechanisms behind them is made: dependence of macroscopic polarity on orientational selectivity induced by intermolecular interactions, tuning of polarity through (i) the concentration of non-polar guest and (ii) growth temperature. An erratum to this article can be found at