Compound formed when noble gases get trapped in the cavities of the crystal lattices of certain organic and inorganic compounds are known as: (a) Supercooled solids (b) Polyhydrates (c) Clathrates (d) Stoichiometric compounds

Imagine inflating a balloon inside a cage so that the balloon cannot escape — that's the basic idea behind noble gas entrapment.

In chemistry, this phenomenon occurs when noble gases such as helium, neon, or argon are incorporated into another substance's crystal lattice. Due to their inert nature, these gases do not chemically react with the host lattice; instead, they are physically trapped within the spaces or cavities of the crystal structure. This entrapment is unique as it allows noble gases to be contained in a solid form at conditions where they would usually be in a gaseous state.

Noble gas entrapment is critical because it sheds light on how these gases can be stored and manipulated, which has implications for various applications, including gas storage, environmental science, and the study of atmospheric phenomena.

If we consider the structure of solids, crystal lattices are like the architectural blueprints.

A crystal lattice is a highly ordered, repeating arrangement of atoms or molecules that extends in all three spatial dimensions. The lattice provides stability and defines the physical structure of the crystal. The strength and rigidity of the crystal depend on how the lattice is arranged and the nature of the interactions between its constituents.

Types of Crystal Lattices

There are several types of crystal lattices, such as cubic, tetragonal, orthorhombic, among others, each with its unique geometric shape. The arrangement of atoms or molecules within these lattices creates interstitial spaces — small 'pockets' that can trap other atoms or molecules, leading to the formation of clathrates.

Importance of Crystal Lattices

Understanding the crystal lattice is essential for fields like materials science, mineralogy, and solid-state physics, impacting the synthesis of new materials and the exploration of their properties.

The guest-host relationship in chemistry is akin to a system where one component (the guest) is accommodated within the structure of another (the host) without altering the host's fundamental structure.

This relationship is exemplified by clathrates, where the 'guest' noble gas atoms are ensconced within the cavities of the host crystal lattice without forming strong chemical bonds. Such an interaction is mainly driven by physical forces like van der Waals forces, allowing the guest particles to be trapped while retaining their individual identity.

Significance in Pharmaceutical and Material Sciences

This concept is not limited to noble gases; it is pervasive in numerous applications such as drug delivery systems in pharmaceuticals, where drugs (guests) are delivered using carrier molecules (hosts). In material sciences, understanding guest-host chemistry is pivotal for the development of advanced materials with tailored properties for specific applications. It serves as a foundation for innovative solutions in a range of sectors, making it a cornerstone concept in both chemistry and material sciences.