Dynamic Glassy Molecular Solids

Ranging from the intricate stained-glass windows in medieval cathedrals to the sleek, transparent facades of modern architecture, glass constitutes an excellent blend of beauty and functionality. Its inherent brittleness, however, hinders its application in high-stake scenarios. While small molecule-based glassy materials have recently garnered attention, they often lack the ability to self-heal autonomously. Here we report a biocompatible glassy solid based on vitamin D3, which combines uniquely, the advantages of both glassy and rubbery states. The glassy solid demonstrates rapid, autonomous self-healing within seconds without requiring any external stimuli. This property is attributable to the dynamic intermolecular interactions, which have been characterized by spatially resolved Raman spectroscopy. Moreover, glassy fibers display remarkable flexibility, while the glassy solid displays optical properties similar to that of conventional glass.