Abstract: Molecular bulding beams, liquid crystals, and surfactants in the form of compounds based on [1.1.1]propellane, including poly[1.1.1]propellanes. Molecular building beams having a telomeric or polymeric chain staff, and linking groups functionalized on one or both ends of the staff. A system for linking the beams to connecting units to construct molecular structures of various forms, such as whips, combs, scaffoldings, nets, or stars. Other broad aspects of the invention provide liquid crystals and surfactants. The liquid crystals include telomeric or polymeric compounds functionalized with flexible end groups, while the surfactant compounds are functionalized with surface active end groups. Methods of synthesizing the various compounds ar also provided.