India, Oct. 8 -- Scientists Susumu Kitagawa, Richard Robson and Omar Yaghi have won the Nobel Prize in Chemistry for developing a new form of molecular architecture.

In their constructions, metal ions function as cornerstones that are linked by long organic (carbon-based) molecules.

"Together, the metal ions and molecules are organised to form crystals that contain large cavities. These porous materials are called metal-organic frameworks (MOF)," the award giving organisation said in a statement.

By varying the building blocks used in the MOFs, chemists can design them to capture and store specific substances. MOFs can also drive chemical reactions or conduct electricity.

"Metal-organic frameworks have enormous potential, bringing pre...