Clathrate compound
![Structure of the 3:1 inclusion complex of urea and 1,6-dichlorohexane. The framework is composed of molecules of urea that are linked by hydrogen bonds, leaving approximately hexagonal channels into which align the molecules of the chlorocarbon. Color scheme: oxygen is red, nitrogen is blue, chlorine is green.[4]](/Images/godic/202501/04/Urea&1,6-C6Cl22145.png")
![Space filling model of β-cyclodextrin, a host that forms clathrate complexes by inserting the guest into the](/Images/godic/202501/04/Beta-cyclodextrin3D2145.png")
![Example of Metal organic framework, MOF-5, the cavity for the guests is indicated by the yellow sphere.](/Images/godic/202501/04/IRMOF-1_wiki2145.png")
A clathrate is a chemical substance consisting of a lattice that traps or contains molecules. The word clathrate is derived from the Latin clatratus meaning with bars or a lattice. Traditionally, clathrate compounds are polymeric and completely envelop the guest molecule, but in modern usage clathrates also include host-guest complexes and inclusion compounds. According to IUPAC, clathrates are "Inclusion compounds in which the guest molecule is in a cage formed by the host molecule or by a lattice of host molecules."