Polycarboxylate-directed semi-rigid pyridyl-amide-based various NiII complexes: electrochemical properties and enhancements of photocatalytic activities by calcination

Four different pyridyl-amide-based Ni-complexes were synthesized by tuning polycarboxylates, displaying bifunctional electrocatalytic properties and enhancements of photocatalytic activities by calcination.

Solvatomorphism of Reichardt's dye

Six different crystal structures are obtained depending on the crystallization solvent.

Trimorphs of 4-bromophenyl 4-bromobenzoate. Elastic, brittle, plastic

Trimorphs of 4-bromophenyl 4-bromobenzoate exhibit distinctly different mechanical properties, brittle, plastic, and elastic. Intermodular interactions and crystal packing are discussed in this context.

Quantitative analysis of solid-state diversity in trifluoromethylated phenylhydrazones

The cooperative roles of various structural motifs associated with the presence of different intermolecular interactions in the formation of molecular crystals are investigated in a series of trifluoromethylated phenylhydrazones. Out of the six compounds analysed, two exhibit three-dimensional structural similarities with geometrically equivalent building blocks, while a third exists as two polymorphic forms crystallized from ethanol solutions at low temperature (277 K) and room temperature (298 K), respectively. The compounds were characterized via single-crystal and powder X-ray diffraction techniques and differential scanning calorimetry. In the absence of any strong hydrogen bonding, the supramolecular constructs are primarily stabilized via molecular pairs with a high dispersion-energy contribution, due to the presence of molecular stacking along the molecular backbone along with C-H...π interactions in the solid state, in preference to an electrostatic contribution. The interaction energies for the most stabilizing molecular building blocks are in the range -29 to -43 kJ mol^-1. In addition, weak N-H...F, C-H...F and N-H...C interactions and F...F, F...C, F...N and C...N contacts act as secondary motifs, providing additional stability to the crystal packing. The overall molecular arrangements are carefully analysed in terms of their nature and energetics, and the roles of different molecular pairs towards the crystal structure are delineated. A topological study using the quantum theory of atoms in molecules was used to characterize all the atomic interactions in the solid state. It established the presence of (3, -1) bond critical points and the closed-shell nature of all the interactions.

A systematic analysis of atomic protein-ligand interactions in the PDB

As the protein databank (PDB) recently passed the cap of 123 456 structures, it stands more than ever as an important resource not only to analyze structural features of specific biological systems, but also to study the prevalence of structural patterns observed in a large body of unrelated structures, that may reflect rules governing protein folding or molecular recognition. Here, we compiled a list of 11 016 unique structures of small-molecule ligands bound to proteins - 6444 of which have experimental binding affinity - representing 750 873 protein-ligand atomic interactions, and analyzed the frequency, geometry and impact of each interaction type. We find that hydrophobic interactions are generally enriched in high-efficiency ligands, but polar interactions are over-represented in fragment inhibitors. While most observations extracted from the PDB will be familiar to seasoned medicinal chemists, less expected findings, such as the high number of C-H···O hydrogen bonds or the relatively frequent amide-π stacking between the backbone amide of proteins and aromatic rings of ligands, uncover underused ligand design strategies.

Unprecedented ferromagnetic Gdnitronyl nitroxide coupling through a hydrogen bonding bridge

A novel lanthanide(iii)-nitronyl nitroxide chain {[Gd(hfac)₃(Nit-Ph-3,5-bIm)(H₂O)]·C₄H₁₀O}_n (1) was prepared and characterized. Strikingly, an unexpected ferromagnetic coupling between the Gd(iii) ion and the nitroxide group mediated by hydrogen bonding has been observed for the first time.

Hydrogen bonding vs. halogen bonding: the solvent decides

Control of intermolecular interactions is integral to harnessing self-assembly in nature. Here we demonstrate that control of the competition between hydrogen bonds and halogen bonds, the two most highly studied directional intermolecular interactions, can be exerted by choice of solvent (polarity) to direct the self-assembly of co-crystals. Competitive co-crystal formation has been investigated for three pairs of hydrogen bond and halogen bond donors, which can compete for a common acceptor group. These competitions have been examined in seven different solvents. Product formation has been determined and phase purity has been examined by analysis of powder X-ray diffraction patterns. Formation of hydrogen-bonded co-crystals is favoured from less polar solvents and halogen-bonded co-crystals from more polar solvents. The solvent polarity at which the crystal formation switches from hydrogen-bond to halogen-bond dominance depends on the relative strengths of the interactions, but is not a function of the solution-phase interactions alone. The results clearly establish that an appreciation of solvent effects is critical to obtain control of the intermolecular interactions.

A one-dimensional copper(II) coordination polymer incorporating succinate and N,N-diethylethylenediamine ligands: crystallographic analysis, vibrational and surface features, and DFT analysis

Transition metal atoms can be bridged by aliphatic dicarboxylate ligands to produce chains, layers and frameworks. The reaction of copper sulfate with succinic acid (H₂succ) and N,N-diethylethylenediamine (deed) in basic solution produces the complex catena-poly[[[(N,N-diethylethylenediamine-κ²N,N')copper(II)]-μ-succinato-κ²O¹:O⁴] tetrahydrate], {[Cu(C₄H₄O₄)(C₆H₁₆N₂)]·4H₂O}_n or {[Cu(succ)(deed)]·4H₂O}_n. Each carboxylate group of the succinate ligand coordinates to a Cu^II atom in a monodentate fashion, giving rise to a square-planar coordination environment. The succinate ligands bridge the Cu^II centres to form one-dimensional polymeric chains. Hydrogen bonds between the ligands and water molecules link these chains into sheets that lie in the ab plane. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations were used to support the experimental data. From these calculations, a good linear correlation was observed between the experimental and theoretically predicted structural and spectroscopic parameters (R² ∼ 0.97).

Dicyanoaurate-based heterobimetallic uranyl coordination polymers

The first series of uranyl ([UO₂]²⁺)-dicyanoaurate coordination polymers and molecular complexes has been synthesized. Reactions of [A][Au(CN)₂] (A = [ⁿBu₄N]⁺ or [(Ph₃P)₂N]⁺ ([PPN])) and uranyl nitrate in alcoholic solvents in ambient light led to [A]₂[(UO₂)₂(μ-η²:η²-O₂)(NO₃)₂(μ-Au(CN)₂)₂], which incorporates peroxo ligands into a one-dimensional ladder topology with alternating aurophilic and peroxo rungs. Conducting the reaction with non-alcoholic solvents formed two polymorphs of a one-dimensional chain, [PPN][UO₂(NO₃)₂Au(CN)₂], from acetone, and a molecular analogue, [PPN]₂[UO₂(NO₃)₂(Au(CN)₂)₂], from acetonitrile, none of which exhibited aurophilic interactions. The addition of 2,2'-bipyridine to the initial reaction resulted in [UO₂(bipy)(MeO)(MeOH)]₂[(μ-Au(CN)₂)(Au(CN)₂)], a one-dimensional structure which propagates via a series of linear aurophilic bonds with pendant uranyl complexes; methanol and methoxy ligands provide additional connections through hydrogen bonding. The addition of 5,5'-dimethyl-2,2'-bipyridine using solvothermal conditions resulted in the one-dimensional ladder [UO₂(Me₂bipy)Au(CN)₂]₂[(μ-OH)₂], generated through aurophilic bonds and hydroxide ligands. The incorporation of 2,2':6',2''-terpyridine (terpy) using solvothermal conditions resulted in [[UO₂(terpy)]₂(μ-NO₃)(μ-O)][Au(CN)₂], a molecular salt with no aurophilic interactions. Emission spectra attributable to aurophilic interactions are observed in [ⁿBu₄N]₂[(UO₂)₂(μ-η²:η²-O₂)(NO₃)₂(μ-Au(CN)₂)₂], while all others only show emission typical of the uranyl cation.

Is Failure of Cocrystallization Actually a Failure? Eutectic Formation in Cocrystal Screening of Hesperetin

Cocrystal screening of hesperetin with certain countermolecules generated highly soluble noncovalent derivatives in the form of eutectics, instead of expected cocrystals. As adhesive forces established by complimentary functional groups on hesperetin and coformers were unable to overcome the stress due to size shape mismatch of component molecules, thus, eutectics were formed. Hesperetin, a polyphenolic antioxidant with potent anticancer and cardioprotective effects, has an underdeveloped role in modern therapeutics on account of its critically low aqueous solubility resulting in stunted bioavailability. The liquid-assisted cogrinding of hesperetin and coformers generated binary-phase eutectics in fixed stoichiometry with theophylline (1:1.5), adenine (2:1), gallic acid (1.5:1), and theobromine (2:1). Primarily characterized by lower melting endotherm in differential scanning calorimetry, the eutectics showed complete melting in hot-stage microscopy. Apart from characteristic V-shaped binary-phase diagram, no discernible changes in the FTIR and powder X-ray diffraction spectra further confirm eutectic formation. The morphological differences were analyzed by SEM measurements. A 2 to 4 times enhanced dissolution profile of the eutectics measured in pH 7.4 aqueous buffer was coupled with the in vitro (1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl hydroxyl free radical antioxidant assay and RBC antihemolytic assay) studies to present a complete preliminary data on the improved bioavailability of hesperetin eutectics.

Enantiomeric two-fold interpenetrated 3D zinc(ii) coordination networks as a catalytic platform: significant difference between water within the cage and trace water in transesterification

Self-assembly of Zn(ClO₄)₂ with 1,1,2,2-tetramethyl-1,2-di(pyridin-3-yl)disilane (L) as a bidentate N-donor gives rise to 3D coordination networks, [Zn(μ-OH)(L)]₃(ClO₄)₃·5H₂O (1·5H₂O), of unique, 10³-a srs net topology. An important feature is that two enantiomeric 3D frameworks, 4¹- and 4³-[Zn(μ-OH)(L)]₃(ClO₄)₃·5H₂O, are interpenetrated to form a racemic two-fold 3D network with cages occupied by two water molecules. Another structural characteristic is a C₃-symmetric planar Zn₃(μ-OH)₃ 6-membered ring with tetrahedral Zn(ii) ions. The steric hindrance of substrates and trace water effects on transesterification catalysis using the network have been scrutinized. The coordination network acts as a remarkable heterogeneous transesterification catalytic system that shows both the significant steric effects of substrate alcohols and momentous water effects. The substrate activity is in the order ethanol > n-propanol > n-butanol > iso-propanol > 2-butanol > tert-butanol. For the reaction system, solvate water molecules within the cages of the interpenetrated 3D frameworks do not decrease the transesterification activity, whereas the trace water molecules in the substrate alcohols act as obvious obstacles to the reaction.

Halogen-Bond Effects on the Thermo- and Photochromic Behaviour of Anil-Based Molecular Co-crystals

N-Salicilideneanilines are among the most studied thermo- and photochromic systems in the solid state. Although thermochromism is a general property of crystalline N-salicilideneanilines, photochromism is known in a limited number of cases. As a method for the construction of thermo- and photo-responsive molecular architectures, the co-crystallisation of 1,2,4,5-tetrafluoro-3,6-diiodobenzene (I2F4) with three selected imines of o-vanillin, named 1, 2 and 3, obtained through a condensation reaction with 3-aminopyridine, 4-bromoaniline and 4-iodoaniline, respectively, is reported herein. All crystals and co-crystals have been characterised by means of solid-state complementary techniques (X-ray diffraction, solid-state NMR spectroscopy, absorption and emission spectroscopy). The role of halogen bonding and crystal packing in the optical and chromic properties of all solid materials is discussed. All solids exhibit thermochromic behaviour, and three of them (2, 2₂ ⋅I2F4 and 3₂ ⋅I2F4) are also photochromic. Imine derivative 3 crystallises in two different polymorphic forms (3 A and 3 B) and a solvate (3_Solv ). The bromo and iodo derivatives, 2 and 3 B, are isomorphous and form isomorphous co-crystals with I2F4, but behave differently when exposed to UV light because only crystalline 2 is photochromic. Interestingly, the replacement of bromine with iodine seems to turn off the photochromism because crystalline 3 A and 3_Solv , and even the 2_0.7 3_0.3 solid solution, do not manifest photochromic behaviour.

A metamorphic inorganic framework that can be switched between eight single-crystalline states

The design of highly flexible framework materials requires organic linkers, whereas inorganic materials are more robust but inflexible. Here, by using linkable inorganic rings made up of tungsten oxide (P₈W₄₈O₁₈₄) building blocks, we synthesized an inorganic single crystal material that can undergo at least eight different crystal-to-crystal transformations, with gigantic crystal volume contraction and expansion changes ranging from -2,170 to +1,720 ų with no reduction in crystallinity. Not only does this material undergo the largest single crystal-to-single crystal volume transformation thus far reported (to the best of our knowledge), the system also shows conformational flexibility while maintaining robustness over several cycles in the reversible uptake and release of guest molecules switching the crystal between different metamorphic states. This material combines the robustness of inorganic materials with the flexibility of organic frameworks, thereby challenging the notion that flexible materials with robustness are mutually exclusive.

Hydrogen- and halogen-bond cooperativity in determining the crystal packing of dihalogen charge-transfer adducts: a study case from heterocyclic pentatomic chalcogenone donors

A synergic cooperation between HB and XB interactions determines the supramolecular architectures in dihalogen CT adducts of hydantoin-like chalcogen donors.

Conformational change in the association of a heterocyclic urea derivative forming two intramolecular hydrogen bonds in polar solvent

Competition of two urea moieties for the same counterpart including change of conformation upon binding in polar solvent.

Quantitative investigation of C–H⋯π and other intermolecular interactions in a series of crystalline N-(substituted phenyl)-2-naphthamide derivatives

In this study, we have investigated the nature and characteristics of different intermolecular interactions present in a series of sevenN-(substituted phenyl)-2-naphthamides.

cis-Protected palladium(ii) based binuclear complexes as tectons in crystal engineering and the imperative role of the cis-protecting agent

The shape and molecular packing of cis-protected Pd(ii) based binuclear complexes depends upon the ligand and cis-protecting agents.

B–Hb⋯π interaction in borane–graphene complexes: coronene as a case study

N/B/BN doping in graphene enhances adsorption of boranes.

A combined continuous wave electron paramagnetic resonance and DFT calculations of copper-doped 3∞[Cd0.98Cu0.02(prz-trz-ia)] metal–organic framework

Successful combination of EPR and DFT was applied for investigation the novel heteronuclear MOF compounds.

Complexity of two-dimensional self-assembled arrays at surfaces

The developing field of complexity in self-assembled systems on surfaces is discussed.

Structural and Computational Study of 4 New Solvatomorphs of Betulin: A Combined X-Ray, Hirshfeld Surface, and Thermal Analysis

Four new solvatomorphs of betulin were reported and characterized by X-ray diffractometry as well as thermal and vibrational spectroscopic analyses. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction was used to analyze the X-ray structures of the compounds and confirmed the stoichiometric ratio between the host and guest molecules from thermal data. Results indicated that solvatomorphism occurred in several betulin solvates. Changes in intermolecular arrangements, stoichiometry, and hydrogen-bonding interactions of solvatomorphs were due to solvent incorporation to solvates. Hirshfeld surface analyses, especially d_norm surface and fingerprint plots, were used to determine intermolecular interactions in the crystal network. Solvent molecules played an important role in the construction of a 3D architecture. The stabilities of these solvates were evaluated by thermal analyses. Nonisothermal kinetic analysis was used to explain the kinetics of solid-solid phase transition (desolvation) of betulin solvates. The apparent activation energies were evaluated using Kissinger and Ozawa methods. Moreover, phase transitions were visually investigated by hot-stage microscopic analysis.

CuII and ZnII β-diketonate coordination polymers based on pyrimidin-2-amine, pyrazine and 1,2-bis(4-pyridyl)ethane

Copper(II) and zinc(II) bis(4,4,4-trifluoro-1-phenylbutane-1,3-dionato) compounds with pyrimidin-2-amine (pyr2a), pyrazine (pyz) and 1,2-bis(4-pyridyl)ethane (dpet) were prepared and solid-state structures of coordination polymers [M(tfpb)₂(pyr2a)]_∞ [M = Cu (1), Zn (2); tfpb = 4,4,4-trifluoro-1-phenylbutane-1,3-dionate], [M(tfpb)₂(pyz)]_∞ [M = Cu (3), Zn (4a, 4b)] and [Cu(tfpb)₂(dpet)]_∞ (5), respectively, were determined by single-crystal X-ray analysis. The coordination of metal centers in all compounds is octahedral with nitrogen ligands occupying the axial positions. Compound (1) crystallizes in the triclinic space group P\bar 1, whereas (2) crystallizes in the monoclinic space group P2/n. Differences are due to the different orientation of adjacent M(tfpb)₂ units, whereas the orientation of pyrimidin-2-amine is the same in both compounds. Polymeric chains in (1) and (2) contain intramolecular N-H...O hydrogen bonding between amino and carbonyl groups. Room-temperature structures (3) and (4a) are isomorphous adopting the monoclinic space group C2/m; however, on cooling crystals (4a) to 150 K a single-crystal-to-single-crystal transformation to (4b) possessing the triclinic space group P\bar 1 was observed. Compound (5) crystallizes in the triclinic space group P\bar 1 and contains a parallel aggregation of chains in contrast to the known structure of the non-fluorinated benzoylacetonato ligand, where chains aggregate in a perpendicular fashion. In the compounds studied intramolecular C-H...O and/or C-H...F interactions are present. The neighboring chains are linked by π...π interactions and in some compounds also by C-H...π interactions [(1), (4b), (5)].

Conformational differences and intermolecular C-H...N interactions in three polymorphs of a bis(pyridinyl)-substituted benzimidazole

The structural characterization of several polymorphic forms of a compound allow the interplay between molecular conformation and intermolecular interactions to be studied, which can contribute to the development of strategies for the rational preparation of materials with desirable properties and the tailoring of intermolecular interactions to produce solids with predictable characteristics of interest in crystal engineering. The crystal structures of two new polymorphs of 5,6-dimethyl-2-(pyridin-2-yl)-1-[(pyridin-2-yl)methyl]-1H-benzimidazole, C₂₀H₁₈N₄, are reported. The previously reported polymorph, (1) [Geiger & DeStefano (2014). Acta Cryst. E70, o365], exhibits the space group C2/c, whereas polymorphs (2) and (3) presented here are in the Pnma and P-1 space groups, respectively. The molecular structures of the three forms differ in their orientations of the 2-(pyridin-2-yl)- and 1-[(pyridin-2-yl)methyl]- substituents. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations show that the relative energies of the molecule in the three conformations follows the order (1) < (2) < (3), with a spread of 10.6 kJ mol^-1. An analysis of the Hirshfeld surfaces shows that the three polymorphs exhibit intermolecular C-H...N interactions, which can be classified into six types. Based on DFT calculations involving pairs of molecules having the observed interactions, the C-H...N energy in the systems explored is approximately -11.2 to -14.4 kJ mol^-1.