Synthesis, structure, and bonding in polyiodide and metal iodide-iodine systems

Iodide Photoredox and Bond Formation Chemistry

Iodide redox chemistry is intimately coupled with the formation and breaking of chemical bonds that are relevant to emerging solar energy technologies. In this Account, recent advances in dye-sensitized iodide oxidation chemistry in organic solutions are described. Here Ru^II sensitizers with high cationic charge, tuned reduction potentials, and specific iodide receptor site(s) are shown to self-assemble in organic solvents and yield structures that rapidly oxidize iodide and generate I-I bonds when illuminated with visible light. These studies provided new insights into the fascinating behavior of our most polarizable and easily oxidized monatomic anion. Sensitized iodide photo-oxidation in CH₃CN solutions consists of two mechanistic steps. In the first step, an excited-state sensitizer oxidizes iodide (I^-) to an iodine atom (I^•) through diffusional encounters. The second step involves the reaction of I^• with I^- to form the I-I bond of diiodide, I₂^•-. The overall reaction converts a green photon into about 1.64 eV of free energy in the form of I₂^•- and the reduced sensitizer. The free energy is only transiently available, as back-electron transfer to yield ground-state products is quantitative. Interestingly, when the free energy change is near zero, iodide photo-oxidation occurs rapidly with rate constants near the diffusion limit, i.e., >10¹⁰ M^-1 s^-1. Such rapid reactivity is in line with anecdotal knowledge that iodide is an outstanding electron donor and is indicative of adiabatic electron transfer through an inner-sphere mechanism. In low-dielectric-constant solvents, dicationic Ru^II sensitizers were found to form tight ion pairs with iodide. Diimine ligands with additional cationic charge, or "binding pockets" that recognize halides, have been utilized to position one or more halides at specific locations about the sensitizer before light absorption. Diverse photochemical reactions observed with these supramolecular assemblies range from the photorelease of halides to the formation of I-I bonds where both iodides present in the ground-state assembly react. Natural population analysis through density functional theory calculations accurately predicts the site(s) of iodide ion-pairing and provides information on the associated free energy change. The ability to direct light-driven bond formation in these ionic assemblies is extended to chloride and bromide ions. The structure-property relationships identified, and those that continue to emerge, may one day allow for the rational design of molecules and materials that drive desired halide transformations when illuminated with light.

Glyme–Li salt equimolar molten solvates with iodide/triiodide redox anions

Room-temperature-fused Li salt solvates that exhibit ionic liquid-like behaviour can be formed using particular combinations of multidentate glymes and lithium salts bearing weakly coordinating anions, and are now deemed a subset of ionic liquids, viz. solvate ionic liquids (SILs). Herein, we report redox-active glyme–Li salt molten solvates consisting of tetraethyleneglycol ethylmethyl ether (G4Et) and lithium iodide/triiodide, [Li(G4Et)]I and [Li(G4Et)]I₃. The coordination structure of the complex ions and the thermal, transport, and electrochemical properties of these molten Li salt solvates were investigated to diagnose whether they can be categorized as SILs. [Li(G4Et)]⁺ and I₃⁻ were found to remain stable as discrete ions and exist as well-dissociated forms in the liquid state, indicating that [Li(G4Et)]I₃ can be classified as a good SIL. This study also clarified that the I⁻ and I₃⁻ counter anions exhibit an electrochemical redox reaction in the highly concentrated molten Li salt solvates. The redox-active molten Li solvates were further studied as a highly concentrated catholyte for use in rechargeable semi-liquid lithium batteries. Although the cell constructed using [Li(G4Et)]I₃ failed to charge after the initial discharge step, the cell containing [Li(G4Et)]I demonstrates reversible charge–discharge behaviour with a high volumetric energy density of 180 W h L⁻¹ based on the catholyte volume.

Redox-active glyme–Li salt equimolar molten solvates based on a I⁻/I₃⁻ couple could be employed as a highly concentrated catholyte for semi-liquid rechargeable lithium batteries.

New polymorphism and structural sensitivity in triphenylmethylphosphonium trihalide salts

PPh₃MeX₃ (X = I, Br) is studied on the basis of temperature and halide composition revealing new polymorphism structure types.

The capricious nature of iodine catenation in I2 excess, perovskite-derived hybrid Pt(iv) compounds

Perovskite-derived hybrid platinum iodides with the general formula A₂Pt^IVI₆ (A = formamidinium FA and guanidinium GUA) accommodate excess I₂ to yield hydrogen-bond-stabilized compounds where the I₂ forms catenates with I⁻ anions on the PtI₆ octahedra.

An unusual cuprous iodide polymer incorporating I-, I2 and I3- structural units

A novel cuprous iodide polymer [Cu2(μ4-L)(μ2-I-)(I2)(I3-)]n·nI2 (1, L = 1-tetrazole-4-imidazole-benzene) has been hydrothermally synthesized. 1 contains a 1-D chain [Cu2(μ4-L)(μ2-I-)(I2)(I3-)]n and free I2 molecules, which are interconnected by weak II interactions to form an unprecedented 3-D cuprous polyiodide network containing rare 1-D [(I-)·2I2·(I3)-]n polyiodide ribbons. 1 shows luminescence and photoelectronic properties, and its theoretical band structure was also studied.

Synthesis of conductive polyaniline nanofibers in one step by protonic acid and iodine doping

In this study, protonic acid and iodine-doped conductive polyaniline (PANI) nanofibers were successfully fabricated in one step using ammonium persulfate (APS) and potassium biiodate (KH(IO3)2) as the co-oxidant. The resultant PANI nanofibers were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, wide-angle X-ray diffraction, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Their electrochemical properties were examined by cyclic voltammetry and the standard four-probe technique. Additionally, the molecular weight of the conductive PANI nanofibers was measured using a viscometer. It is found that the PANI nanofibers are codoped with protonic acid (hydrochloric acid and iodic acid) and iodine (I3 − and I5 −), and the KH(IO3)2 shows a significant acceleration effect for the oxidation polymerization of aniline. The conductivity of PANI reaches 21 S·cm−1, which is much higher than that of another PANI prepared by APS. This is ascribed to the iodine-doping effect and the nanofibers’ morphology. Additionally, the reaction mechanism of PANI is systematically discussed, and the codoped mechanism is proposed. Systematic investigations indicate that APS/KH(IO3)2 is an excellent co-oxidant for the preparation of highly conductive PANI nanofibers in one step.

Hexakis(2,3,6-tri-O-methyl)-α-cyclodextrin-I5 - complex in aqueous I-/I3 - thermocells and enhancement in the Seebeck coefficient

Supramolecular thermocell composed of I^– (yellow balls), I₃^– (trio of red balls), I₅^– (five connected dark red balls) and Me₁₈-α-CD (gray cone-shaped cylinder).

A large Seebeck coefficient (S_e) of 1.9 mV K^–1 was recorded for the I^–/I₃^– thermocell by utilizing the host-guest complexation of hexakis(2,3,6-tri-O-methyl)-α-cyclodextrin (Me₁₈-α-CD) with the oxidized iodide species. The thermocell measurement and UV-vis spectroscopy unveiled the formation of an Me₁₈-α-CD–pentaiodide (I₅^–) complex, which is in remarkable contrast to the triiodide complex α-CD–I₃^– previously reported. Although the precipitation of the α-CD–I₃^– complex in the presence of an electrolyte such as potassium chloride is a problem in thermocells, this issue was solved by using Me₁₈-α-CD as a host compound. The absence of precipitation in the Me₁₈-α-CD and I^–/I₃^– system containing potassium chloride not only improved the S_e of the I^–/I₃^– thermocell, but also significantly enhanced the temporal stability of its power output. This is the first observation that I₅^– species is formed in aqueous solution in a thermocell. Furthermore, the solution equilibrium of the redox couples was controlled by tuning the chemical structure of the host compounds. Thus, the integration of host-guest chemistry with redox couples extends the application of thermocells.

A Novel Family of Polyiodo-Bromoantimonate(III) Complexes: Cation-Driven Self-Assembly of Photoconductive Metal-Polyhalide Frameworks

In the presence of different cations, reactions of [SbBr₆ ]^3- and I₂ result in a new family of diverse supramolecular 1D polyiodide-bromoantimonate networks. The coordination number of Sb, as well as geometry of assembling {I_x }^n- polyhalide units, can vary, resulting in unprecedented structural types. The nature of I⋅⋅⋅Br interactions was studied by DFT calculations; estimated energy values are 1.6-6.9 kcal mol^-1 . Some of the compounds showed strong photoconductivity in thin films, suggesting multiple feasible applications in optoelectronics and solar energy conversion.

Why are reactions of 2- and 8-thioquinoline derivatives with iodine different?

The crystal structures of 1,2-dihydro-1,1′-bi[thiazolo[3,2-a]quinoline]-10a,10a′-diium diiodide hemihydrate, C22H16N2S2 2+·2I−·0.5H2O, and 1,2-dihydro-1,1′-bi[thiazolo[3,2-a]quinoline]-10a,10a′-diium iodide triiodide, C22H16N2S2 2+·I−·I3 −, obtained during the reaction of 1,4-bis(quinolin-2-ylsulfanyl)but-2-yne (2TQB) with iodine, have been determined at 120 K. The crystalline products contain the dication as a result of the reaction proceeding along the iodocyclization pathway. This is fundamentally different from the previously observed reaction of 1,4-bis(quinolin-8-ylsulfanyl)but-2-yne (8TQB) with iodine under similar conditions. A comparative analysis of the possible conformational states indicates differences in the relative stabilities and free rotation for the 2- and 8-thioquinoline derivatives which lead to a disparity in the convergence of the potential reaction centres for 2TQB and 8TQB.

Synthesis and Characterization of Nonclassical Interhalides Based on Bromine Monochloride

Due to a more distinct σ-hole, BrCl is able to form stronger halogen bonds than those in polyhalogen anions based on Cl₂ and Br₂ . This stabilization allows the crystallographic characterization of a variety of new polyinterhalides, in which chloride functions as the central ion as shown by the molecular structures of [AsPh₄ ][Cl(BrCl)₃ ] and [CCl(NMe₂ )₂ ][Cl(BrCl)₅ ]. Furthermore, the solid-state structure of an octahedrally coordinated nonclassical interhalide is reported for the first time. The tridecainterhalide monoanion [Cl(BrCl)₆ ]^- consists of a central chloride ion, which is coordinated by six BrCl molecules in a slightly distorted octahedral structure. All new compounds were characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction (XRD), NMR and Raman spectroscopy, as well as quantum-chemical calculations.

Spectroscopic and structural investigation of interaction of 5-mercapto-3-phenyl-1,3,4-thiadiazole-2-thione potassium salt with molecular iodine

The interest in the study of heteroaromatic thioamides which are known to exhibit antithyroid activity is stimulated by the variety and an unusual structure their complexes with molecular iodine. The directions of dithiones investigation are diversity enough, however a few works are devoted to the study them as the potential thyreostatics. The ability of 5-mercapto-3-phenyl-1,3,4-thiadiazole-2-thion potassium salt to form the outer-sphere charge-transfer complex in dilute chloroform solution, coordinating 2 iodine molecules has been studied by UV-vis spectroscopy (lgβ=7.91). The compound of the 5,5'-disulfanediylbis(3-phenyl-1,3,4-thiadiazole-2(3H)-thione) - product of irreversible oxidation of 5-mercapto-3-phenyl-1,3,4-thiadiazole-2-thione potassium salt has been isolated and characterized by X-ray diffraction. Intermolecular interactions between sulfur atoms are observed with very short interatomic distance, shorter than sum of van der Waals radii. The contact between heterocyclic sulfur and heterocyclic nitrogen is also slightly short - 3.169Å (0.053Å less than vdW radii sum). This investigation constitutes a starting point for study of novel antithyroid drugs in future.

From Isolated Anions to Polymer Structures through Linking with I2: Synthesis, Structure, and Properties of Two Complex Bismuth(III) Iodine Iodides

We report the synthesis, crystal structures, and optical properties of two new compounds, K₁₈Bi₈I₄₂(I₂)_0.5·14H₂O (1) and (NH₄)₇Bi₃I₁₆(I₂)_0.5·4.5H₂O (2), as well as the electronic structure of the latter. They crystallize in tetragonal space group P4/ mmm with the unit cell parameters a = 12.974(1) and c = 20.821(3) Å for 1 and a = 13.061(3) and c = 15.162(7) Å for 2. Though 1 and 2 are not isomorphous, their crystal structures display the same structural organization; namely, the BiI₆ octahedra are linked by I₂ units to form disordered layers in 1 and perfectly ordered chains in 2. The I-I bond distances in the thus formed I-I-I-I linear links are not uniform; the central bond is only slightly longer than in a standalone I₂ molecule, whereas the peripheral bonds are significantly shorter than longer bonds typical for various polyiodides, which is confirmed by Raman spectroscopy. The analysis of the electronic structure shows that the atoms forming the I-I-I-I subunits transfer electron density from their occupied 5p orbitals onto their vacant states as well as onto 6s orbitals of bismuth atoms that center the BiI₆ octahedra. This leads to low direct band gaps that were found to be 1.57 and 1.27 eV for 1 and 2, respectively, by optical absorption spectroscopy. Luminescent radiative relaxation was observed in the near-IR region with emission maxima of 1.39 and 1.24 eV for 1 and 2, respectively, in good agreement with the band structure, despite the strong quenching propensity of I₂ moieties.

Iodide and triiodide anion complexes involving anion-π interactions with a tetrazine-based receptor

Protonated forms of the tetrazine ligand L2 (3,6-bis(morpholin-4-ylethyl)-1,2,4,5-tetrazine) interact with iodide in aqueous solution forming relatively stable complexes (ΔG° = -11.6(4) kJ mol^-1 for HL2⁺ + I^- = (HL2)I and ΔG° = -13.4(2) kJ mol^-1 for H₂L2²⁺ + I^- = [(H₂L2)I]⁺). When solutions of [(H₂L2)I]⁺ are left in contact with air, crystals of the oxidation product (H₂L2)₂(I₃)₃I·4H₂O are formed. Unfortunately, the low solubility of I₃^- complexes prevents the determination of their stability constants. The crystal structures of H₂L2I₂·H₂O (1), H₂L2(I₃)₂·2H₂O (2) and (H₂L2)₂(I₃)₃I·4H₂O (3) were determined by means of X-ray diffraction analyses. In all crystal structures, it was found that the interaction between I^- and I₃^- with H₂L2²⁺ is dominated by anion interactions with the π electron density of the receptor. Only in the case of 1, the iodide anions involved in close anion-π interactions with the ligand tetrazine ring form an additional H-bond with the protonated morpholine nitrogen of an adjacent ligand molecule. Conversely, in crystals of 2 and 3 there are alternate segregated planes which contain only protonated ligands hydrogen-bonded to cocrystallized water molecules or I₃^- and I^- forming infinite two-dimensional networks established through short interhalogen contacts, making these crystalline products good candidates to behave as solid conductors. In the solid complexes, the triiodide anion displays both end-on and side-on interaction modes with the tetrazine ring, in agreement with density functional theory calculations indicating a preference for the alignment of the I₃^- molecular axis with the molecular axis of the ligand. Further information about geometries and structures of triiodide anions in 2 and 3 was acquired by the analysis of their Raman spectra.

Factors affecting charge transfer in tetraiodide dianions

Thirty-one examples of crystal structures containing discrete tetraiodide I₄²⁻dianions were identified from the Cambridge Structural Database (CSD) and analyzed in detail in order to find the factors influencing the geometry of this rare fragment. The intermolecular interactions are at least partially responsible for the changes in the geometry of the dianion.

Low-temperature and high-pressure phases of a room-temperature ionic liquid and polyiodides: 1-methyl-3-propylimidazolium iodide

Experimental results are summarized on the P–T–m diagram. In pure [C₃mim][I], amorphous phase appeared both at low-temperature and high-pressure. Stoichiometric [C₃mim][I₃] promotes crystallization, while non-stoichiometric [C₃mim][I_3.66] indicates anomalies.

Exploring the multifunctionality in metal–organic framework materials: how do the stilbenedicarboxylate and imidazolyl ligands tune the characteristics of coordination polymers?

A synergistic effect causes MOF materials to demonstrate excellent iodine vapor retention and luminescence properties.

Ligand-driven formation of halogen bonds involving Au(i) complexes

A theoretical investigation shows that the Au(i) centre in a variety of complexes can behave as a halogen bond acceptor.

Halogen bonding and triiodide asymmetry in cocrystals of triphenylmethylphosphonium triiodide with organoiodines

Halogen bonding in triiodide–organoiodine cocrystals.

Cyanine dyes: synergistic action of hydrogen, halogen and chalcogen bonds allows discrete I42− anions in crystals

Discrete tetraiodide dianions (I₄²⁻) are formed in crystals via halogen bond coordination of I₂ by iodide anions which are pinned in their positions by a network of hydrogen bonds involving a benzoselenazole cyanine dye.

Probing the speciation of quaternary ammonium polybromides by voltammetric tribromide titration

The speciation of quaternary ammonium polybromides (QBr_2n+1) was quantitatively determined by voltammetric tribromide titration on a Pt ultramicroelectrode (UME).

Optical absorption and photoconductivity in iodine-excess ionic liquids: the case of 1-alkyl-3-methyl imidazolium iodides

We investigated the optical absorption and photoconductivity of iodine-excess ionic liquids (ILs) based on 1-alkyl-3-methyl imidazolium iodide ([C_nmim][I]; n = 3, 4, and 6).

A weaker donor shows higher oxidation state upon aggregation

The charge-transfer between TTFs and I₂ shows that the stronger donor TTF1 is in a cation radical state and the weaker donor TTF2 is neutral in solution, whereas TTF1 exists as a cation radical and TTF2 is dicationic in complexes. The dicationic and neutral states of TTF2 are reversible upon aggregation and solvation.

A weaker donor is dicationic but a stronger donor appears as a cation radical in their CT complexes with iodine.

Dimerization of a mixed-carbene PdII dibromide complex by elemental iodine

A monomeric Pd^II complex bearing a mixed carbocyclic/N-heterocyclic carbene ligand and two bromides was reacted with an excess of elemental iodine, which resulted in the surprising removal of one bromide ligand and dimerization of the mixed-carbene complex to form di-μ-bromido-bis{[1-(cyclohepta-2,4,6-trien-2-yl-1-ylidene-κC¹)-3-(2,6-diisopropylphenyl)imidazol-2-ylidene]palladium(II)} bis(pentaiodide) dichloromethane monosolvate, [Pd₂Br₂(C₂₂H₂₄N₂)₂](I₅)₂·CH₂Cl₂. The dimeric complex features a slightly distorted square-planar core of two Pd^II centres bridged by two bromide ligands, which lie in the same plane as the seven- and five-membered rings of the bidentate carbene ligand. The counter-ions in the single crystal were found to be pentaiodide monoanions featuring their typical V-shape, whereas for the bulk material, a mixture of Br/I interhalides is proposed.