Halogen and Hydrogen Bonding between (N-Halogeno)-succinimides and Pyridine Derivatives in Solution, the Solid State and In Silico

Isothiocyanate Sulfur Atom as an Acceptor Site for Halogen-Bonded Cocrystallization of Werner Ni(II) Coordination Compounds and Perfluorinated Iodobenzenes

We explore the halogen bond acceptor potential of the isothiocyanate sulfur atom in the synthesis of cocrystals involving metal-organic building blocks by using Werner Ni(II) coordination compounds whose pendant isothiocyanate group enables halogen bonding. A series of 14 cocrystals involving octahedral Ni(L)4(NCS)2 coordination compounds (L = pyridine or 4-methylpyridine) has been prepared by both crystallization from solution and liquid-assisted grinding. The effectiveness of this strategy is demonstrated by the assembly of a large family of cocrystals involving five perfluorinated iodobenzenes. For both coordination compounds, we generally obtained one cocrystal with each donor; in one case, we obtained an additional two stoichiomorphs, and in another, we obtained three additional solvates. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction experiments revealed that building units in all cocrystals are connected via S···I halogen bonds involving the donor iodine atom and the isothiocyanate sulfur atom, which is an acceptor of two and, in some cases, even three halogen bonds. Consequently, both coordination compounds act as multitopic acceptors that can form multiple halogen bonds leading to the formation of one-, two-, and three-dimensional halogen-bonded architectures. The relative shortenings of S···I distances are from 7 to 15%, while the S···I-C angles are in the range from 160 to 180°.

Telluronium-Catalyzed Halogenation Reactions: Chalcogen-Bond Activation of N-Halosuccinimides and Catalysis

The ability of triaryltelluronium salts to interact with N-halosuccinimides (NXS) through chalcogen bonding (ChB) in the solid state and in solution is demonstrated herein. Cocrystals of the triaryltelluronium bearing two CF3 electron-withdrawing groups per aryl ring with N-chloro-, N-bromo- and N-iodosuccinimide (respectively NCS, NBS and NIS) were analyzed by X-ray diffraction, evidencing a ChB between tellurium and the carbonyl group of NXS. This ChB was confirmed in solution by NMR spectroscopy, especially by 125Te NMR titration experiment, which allowed the determination of the association constant (Ka) between the telluronium and NBS. The so-obtained Ka value of 17.3±0.6 M-1 indicated a moderate interaction in solution because of the competitive role of the solvent. The strength of the Te⋅⋅⋅O ChB was however sufficient enough to promote the catalytic halofunctionalization of aromatics and of alkenes such as the intra- and intermolecular haloalkoxylation and haloesterification of alkenes.

Perhalogenated Anilines as Bifunctional Donors of Hydrogen and Halogen Bonds in Cocrystals with Ditopic Nitrogen-Containing Acceptors

In this study, we examine the experimental and theoretical capabilities of two perhalogenated anilines, 2,3,5,6-tetrafluoro-4-bromoaniline (btfa) and 2,3,5,6-tetrafluoro-4-iodoaniline (itfa) as hydrogen and halogen bond donors. A series of 11 cocrystals derived from the two anilines and selected ditopic nitrogen-containing acceptors (4,4'-bipyridine, 1,2-bis(4-pyridyl)ethane, and 1,4-diazabicyclo[2.2.2]octane) in 1:1 and 2:1 stoichiometries were prepared by liquid-assisted grinding and crystallization from solution. Crystallographic analysis revealed bifunctional donor properties in both anilines. The dominant supramolecular interaction in four cocrystals of btfa is the N-H···Nacceptor hydrogen bond between btfa and acceptor molecules, while in the one remaining cocrystal, donor and acceptor molecules are connected via the N-H···Nacceptor hydrogen bond and the Br···Nacceptor halogen bond. In two cocrystals of itfa, the dominant supramolecular interaction is the I···Nacceptor halogen bond between itfa and acceptor molecules, while in the remaining four cocrystals, donor and acceptor molecules are additionally connected by the N-H···Nacceptor hydrogen bond. Periodic density-functional theory (DFT) calculations have been conducted to assess the formation energies of these cocrystals and the strengths of the established halogen and hydrogen bonds. Molecular DFT calculations on btfa and itfa indicate that the differences in electrostatic potential between the competing sites on the molecules are 261.6 and 157.0 kJ mol-1 e-1, respectively. The findings suggest that itfa, with a smaller electrostatic potential difference between donor sites, is more predisposed to act as a bifunctional donor.

Ortho-Substituent Effects on Halogen Bond Geometry for N-Haloimide⋯2-Substituted Pyridine Complexes

The nature of (imide)N-X⋯N(pyridine) halogen-bonded complexes formed by six N-haloimides and sixteen 2-substituted pyridines are studied using X-ray crystallography (68 crystal structures), Density Functional Theory (DFT) (86 complexation energies), and NMR spectroscopy (90 association constants). Strong halogen bond (XB) donors such as N-iodosuccinimide form only 1:1 haloimide:pyridine crystalline complexes, but even stronger N-iodosaccharin forms 1:1 haloimide:pyridine and three other distinct complexes. In 1:1 haloimide:pyridine crystalline complexes, the haloimide's N─X bond exhibits an unusual bond bending feature that is larger for stronger N-haloimides. DFT complexation energies (ΔEXB ) for iodoimide-pyridine complexes range from -44 to -99 kJ mol-1 , while for N-bromoimide-pyridine, they are between -31 and -77 kJ mol-1 . The ΔEXB of I⋯N XBs in 1:1 iodosaccharin:pyridine complexes are the largest of their kind, but they are substantially smaller than those in [bis(saccharinato)iodine(I)]pyridinium salts (-576 kJ mol-1 ), formed by N-iodosaccharin and pyridines. The NMR association constants and ΔEXB energies of 1:1 haloimide:pyridine complexes do not correlate as these complexes in solution are heavily influenced by secondary interactions, which DFT studies do not account for. Association constants follow the σ-hole strengths of N-haloimides, which agree with DFT and crystallography data. The haloimide:2-(N,N-dimethylamino)pyridine complex undergoes a halogenation reaction resulting in 5-iodo-2-dimethylaminopyridine.

Visible Light-Assisted Ring-Opening of Cyclic Ethers with Carboxylic Acids Mediated by Triphenylphosphine and N-Halosuccinimides

The ring-opening of cyclic ethers (epoxide, oxetane, THF, and THP) by carboxylic acids was achieved by using N-iodosuccinimide (NIS) or N-bromosuccinimide (NBS) and triphenylphosphine under blue light. The corresponding ω-haloalkyl carboxylates were obtained under mild reaction conditions. The reaction is believed to work through a halogen bond complex between NIS (or NBS) and triphenylphosphine, which, upon irradiation with blue light, produces the key phosphine radical cation intermediate that initiates the ring-opening reactions.

Direct thermodynamic characterization of solid-state reactions by isothermal calorimetry

Despite the growing importance of solid-state reactions, their thermodynamic characterization has largely remained unexplored. This is in part due to the lack of methodology for measuring the heat effects related to reactions between solid reactants. We address here this gap and report on the first direct thermodynamic study of chemical reactions between solid reactants by isothermal calorimetry. Three reaction classes, cationic host-guest complex formation, molecular co-crystallization, and Baeyer-Villiger oxidation were investigated, showcasing the versatility of the devised methodology to provide detailed insight into the enthalpy changes related to various reactions. The reliability of the method was confirmed by correlation with the values obtained via solution calorimetry using Hess's law. The thermodynamic characterization of solid-state reactions described here will enable a deeper understanding of the factors governing solid-state processes.

The interplay between hydrogen and halogen bonding: substituent effects and their role in the hydrogen bond enhanced halogen bond

The hydrogen bond enhanced halogen bond (HBeXB) has recently been used to effectively improve anion binding, organocatalysis, and protein structure/function. In this study, we present the first systematic investigation of substituent effects in the HBeXB. NMR analysis confirmed intramolecular HBing between the amine and the electron-rich belt of the XB donor (N-H⋯I). Gas-phase density functional theory studies showed that the influence of HBing on the halogen atom is more sensitive to substitution on the HB donor ring (R1). The NMR studies revealed that the intramolecular HBing had a significant impact on receptor performance, resulting in a 50-fold improvement. Additionally, linear free energy relationship (LFER) analysis was employed for the first time to study the substituent effect in the HBeXB. The results showed that substituents on the XB donor ring (R2) had a competing effect where electron donating groups strengthened the HB and weakened the XB. Therefore, selecting an appropriate substituent on the adjacent HB donor ring (R1) could be an alternative and effective way to enhance an electron-rich XB donor. X-ray crystallographic analysis demonstrated that intramolecular HBing plays an important role in the receptor adopting the bidentate conformation. Taken together, the findings imply that modifying distal substituents that affect neighboring noncovalent interactions can have a similar impact to conventional para substitution substituent effects.

N-X⋅⋅⋅O-N Halogen Bonds in Complexes of N-Haloimides and Pyridine-N-oxides: A Large Data Set Study

N-X⋅⋅⋅- O-N+ halogen-bonded systems formed by 27 pyridine N-oxides (PyNOs) as halogen-bond (XB) acceptors and two N-halosuccinimides, two N-halophthalimides, and two N-halosaccharins as XB donors are studied in silico, in solution, and in the solid state. This large set of data (132 DFT optimized structures, 75 crystal structures, and 168 1 H NMR titrations) provides a unique view to structural and bonding properties. In the computational part, a simple electrostatic model (SiElMo) for predicting XB energies using only the properties of halogen donors and oxygen acceptors is developed. The SiElMo energies are in perfect accord with energies calculated from XB complexes optimized with two high-level DFT approaches. Data from in silico bond energies and single-crystal X-ray structures correlate; however, data from solution do not. The polydentate bonding characteristic of the PyNOs' oxygen atom in solution, as revealed by solid-state structures, is attributed to the lack of correlation between DFT/solid-state and solution data. XB strength is only slightly affected by the PyNO oxygen properties [(atomic charge (Q), ionization energy (Is,min ) and local negative minima (Vs,min )], as the σ-hole (Vs,max ) of the donor halogen is the key determinant leading to the sequence N-halosaccharin>N-halosuccinimide>N-halophthalimide on the XB strength.

Keggin-Type Anions as Halogen Bond Acceptors

To study the potential of Keggin-type polyoxometalate anions to act as halogen bond acceptors, we have prepared a series of 10 halogen-bonded compounds starting from phosphomolybdic and phosphotungstic acid and halogenopyridinium cations as halogen (and hydrogen) bond donors. In all the structures, the cations and the anions were interconnected by halogen bonds, more often with terminal M=O oxygen atoms than with bridging oxygen atoms as acceptors. In four structures comprising protonated iodopyridinium cations capable of forming both hydrogen and halogen bonds with the anion, the halogen bond with the anion is apparently favored, whereas hydrogen bonds preferentially involve other acceptors present in the structure. In three obtained structures derived from phosphomolybdic acid, the corresponding oxoanion has been found in its reduced state [Mo₁₂PO₄₀]^4-, which has also led to a decrease in halogen bond lengths as compared to the fully oxidated [Mo₁₂PO₄₀]^3-. The electrostatic potential on the three types of anions involved in the study ([Mo₁₂PO₄₀]^3-, [Mo₁₂PO₄₀]^4-, and [W₁₂PO₄₀]^3-) has been calculated for optimized geometries of the anions, and it has been shown that the terminal M=O oxygen atoms are the least negative sites of the anions, indicating that they act as halogen bond acceptors primarily due to their steric availability.

On pyridine chloronium cations

We present the first solid-state structural evidence of mono- and bis(pyridine)chloronium cations. The latter was synthesized from a mixture of pyridine, elemental chlorine and sodium tetrafluoroborate in propionitrile at low temperatures. The mono(pyridine) chloronium cation was realized with the less reactive pentafluoropyridine, using ClF, AsF₅, and C₅F₅N in anhydrous HF. During the course of this study, we also investigated pyridine dichlorine adducts and found a surprising disproportionation reaction of chlorine that depended on the substitutional pattern of the pyridine. Electron richer dimethylpyridine (lutidine) derivatives favor full disproportionation into a positively and a negatively charged chlorine atom which forms a trichloride monoanion, while unsubstituted pyridine forms a 1 : 1 py·Cl₂ adduct.

The nature of π-hole interactions between iodide anions and quinoid rings in the crystalline state

The investigated co-crystal of 3-chloro-N-methylpyridinium iodide with tetrabromoquinone (3-Cl-N-MePy·I·Br4Q) reveals a π-hole interaction between an iodide anion and a quinoid ring involving an n → π* charge transfer. The quinoid ring has a partial negative charge (estimated to be in the range 0.08-0.11e) and a partial radical character, which is related to the black colour of the crystals (crystals of neutral tetrabromoquinone are yellow). A detailed X-ray charge density study revealed two symmetry-independent bond critical points between the iodide anions and carbon atoms of the ring. Their maximum electron density of 0.065 e Å-3 was reproduced by quantum chemical modelling. The energy of the interaction is estimated to be -11.16 kcal mol-1, which is comparable to the strength of moderate hydrogen bonding (about -10 kcal mol-1); it is dominantly electrostatic in nature, with a considerable dispersion component.

Identification of novel potential inhibitors of varicella-zoster virus thymidine kinase from ethnopharmacologic relevant plants through an in-silico approach

Although Varicella or chickenpox infection which is caused by the varicella-zoster virus (VZV) has significantly been managed through vaccination, it remains an infection that poses threats to the nearest future due to therapeutic drawbacks. The focus of this research was geared towards in silico screening for the identification of novel compounds in plants of ethnopharmacological relevance in the treatment of chicken pox in West Africa. The work evaluated 65 compounds reported to be present in Achillea millefolium, Psidium guajava and Vitex doniana sweet to identify potential inhibitors of thymidine kinase, the primary drug target of varicella zoster virus. Out of the 65 compounds docked, 42 of these compounds were observed to possess binding energies lower than -7.0 kcal/mol, however only 20 were observed to form hydrogen bond interactions with the protein. These interactions were elucidated using LigPlot⁺ and MM-PBSA analysis with residue Ala134 predicted as critical for binding. Pharmacological profiling predicted three potential lead compounds comprising myricetin, apigenin- 4' -glucoside and Abyssinone V to possess good pharmacodynamics properties and negligibly toxic. The molecules were predicted as antivirals including anti-herpes and involved in mechanisms comprising inhibition of polymerase, ATPase and membrane integrity, which were corroborated previously in other viruses. These drug-like compounds are plausible biotherapeutic moieties for further biochemical and cell-based assaying to discover their potential for use against chickenpox. Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

Stacking Interactions: A Supramolecular Approach to Upgrade Weak Halogen Bond Donors

The co-crystallization of tetracyanobenzene (TCB) with haloarenes ArX provided six new co-crystals TCB ⋅ ArX (ArX=PhCl, PhBr, 4-MeC6 H4 Cl, 4-MeC6 H4 Br, 4-MeOC6 H4 Cl, 1,2-Br2 C6 H4 ) which were studied by X-ray diffraction. In these systems, the strong collective effect of π⋅⋅⋅π stacking interactions and lone pair-(X)⋅⋅⋅π-hole-(C) bondings between TCB and ArX promote the strength of X⋅⋅⋅Ncyano halogen bonding (HaB). Theoretical studies showed that the stacking interactions affect the σ-hole depth of the haloarenes, thus significantly boosting their ability to function as HaB donors. According to the molecular electrostatic potential calculations, the σ- hole-(Cl) value (1.5 kcal/mol) in the haloarene 4-MeOC6 H4 Cl (featuring an electron-rich arene moiety and exhibiting very poor σ-hole-(Cl) ability) increases significantly in the stacked trimer (TCB)2  ⋅ 4-MeOC6 H4 Cl (12.5 kcal/mol). Theoretical DFT calculations demonstrate the dramatic increase of X⋅⋅⋅Ncyano HaB strength for stacked trimers in comparison with parent unstacked haloarenes.

Visible light-assisted organocatalytic α-acyloxylation of ketones using carboxylic acids and N-halosuccinimides

The α-acyloxylcarbonyl motif can be found in many important pharmaceuticals and biologically active natural products and their derivatives. In this manuscript, the direct synthesis of α-acyloxylketones from ketones and readily available carboxylic acids was realized using a photo-assisted halogen bond-mediated organocatalytic α-acyloxylation reaction. The desired α-acyloxylation products were obtained in good to high yields.

Halogen Bond Motifs in Cocrystals of N,N,O and N,O,O Acceptors Derived from Diketones and Containing a Morpholine or Piperazine Moiety

In this study, we investigate the halogen bond acceptor potential of oxygen and nitrogen atoms of morpholine and piperazine fragments when they are peripherally located on N,O,O or N,N,O acceptor molecules. We synthesized four acceptor molecules derived from either acetylacetone or benzoylacetone and cocrystallized them with 1,4-diiodotetrafluorobenzene and 1,3,5-triiodotrifluorobenzene. This resulted in eight cocrystals featuring different topicities and geometric dispositions of donor atoms. In all cocrystals, halogen bonds are formed with either the morpholinyl oxygen atom or the terminal piperazine nitrogen atom. The I···O_morpholine halogen bonds feature lower relative shortening values than I···N_terminal, I···O_carbonyl, and I···N_proximal halogen bonds. The N and O halogen bond acceptor sites were evaluated through calculations of molecular electrostatic potential values.

Enhanced Reactivity for Aromatic Bromination via Halogen Bonding with Lactic Acid Derivatives

We report a new method for regioselective aromatic bromination using lactic acid derivatives as halogen bond acceptors with N-bromosuccinimide (NBS). Several structural analogues of lactic acid affect the efficiency of aromatic brominations, presumably via Lewis acid/base halogen-bonding interactions. Rate comparisons of aromatic brominations demonstrate the reactivity enhancement available via catalytic additives capable of halogen bonding. Computational results demonstrate that Lewis basic additives interact with NBS to increase the electropositive character of bromine prior to electrophilic transfer. An optimized procedure using catalytic mandelic acid under aqueous conditions at room temperature was developed to promote aromatic bromination on a variety of arene substrates with complete regioselectivity.

Probing halogen bonding interactions between heptafluoro-2-iodopropane and three azabenzenes with Raman spectroscopy and density functional theory

The potential formation of halogen bonded complexes between a donor, heptafluoro-2-iodopropane (HFP), and the three acceptor heterocyclic azines (azabenzenes: pyridine, pyrimidine, and pyridazine) is investigated herein through normal mode analysis via Raman spectroscopy, density functional theory, and natural electron configuration analysis. Theoretical Raman spectra of the halogen bonded complexes are in good agreement with experimental data providing insight into the Raman spectra of these complexes. The exhibited shifts in vibrational frequency of as high as 8 cm^-1 for each complex demonstrate, in conjunction with NEC analysis, significant evidence of charge transfer from the halogen bond acceptor to donor. Here, an interesting charge flow mechanism is proposed involving the donated nitrogen lone pair electrons pushing the dissociated fluorine atoms back to their respective atoms. This mechanism provides further insight into the formation and fundamental nature of halogen bonding and its effects on neighboring atoms. The present findings provide novel and deeper characterization of halogen bonding with applications in supramolecular and organometallic chemistry.

Anticooperativity of Multiple Halogen Bonds and Its Effect on Stoichiometry of Cocrystals of Perfluorinated Iodobenzenes

To investigate influences on the topicity of perfluorinated halobenzenes as halogen bond (XB) donors in the solid state, we have conducted a database survey and prepared 18 novel cocrystals of potentially ditopic (13ditfb, 14ditfb) and tritopic (135titfb) XB donors with 15 monotopic pyridines. 135titfb shows high tendency to be mono- or ditopic, but with strong bases it can act as a tritopic XB donor. DFT calculations have shown that binding of a single acceptor molecule on one of the iodine atoms of the XB donor reduces the ESP_max on the remaining iodine atoms and dramatically decreases their potential for forming further halogen bonds, which explains both the high occurrence of crystal structures where the donors do not achieve their maximal topicity and the observed differences in halogen bond lengths. Despite the fact that this effect increases with the basicity of the acceptor, when the increase of halogen bond energy due to the basicity of the acceptor compensates its decrease due to the reduction of the acidity of the donor, it enables strong bases to form cocrystals in which a potentially polytopic XB donor achieves its maximal topicity.

Isostructural Halogen Exchange and Halogen Bonds: The Case of N-(4-Halogenobenzyl)-3-halogenopyridinium Halogenides

Six N-(4-halogenobenzyl)-3-halogenopyridinium cations were prepared by reacting meta-halogenopyridines (Cl, Br, and I) with (4-halogenobenzyl) bromides (Br and I) and were isolated as bromide salts, which were further used to obtain iodides and chlorides. Sixteen compounds (out of 18 possible cation/anion combinations) were obtained; two crystallized as hydrates and 14 as solvent free salts, 11 of which belonged to one isostructural series and 3 to another. All crystal structures comprise halogen-bonded chains, with the anion as an acceptor of two halogen bonds, with the pyridine and the benzyl halogen substituents of two neighboring cations. The halogen bonds with the pyridine halogen show a linear correlation between the relative halogen bond length and angle, which primarily depend on the donor halogen. The parameters of the other halogen bonds vary with all three halogens, indicating that the former halogen bond is the dominant interaction. This is also in accord with the calculated electrostatic potential in the σ-holes of the halogens and the thermal properties of the solids. The second isostructural group comprises combinations of the best halogen bond donors and acceptors, and features a more favorable halogen bond geometry of the dominant halogen bond, reaffirming its significance as the main factor in determining the structure.

Synthesis and cationic polymerization of halogen bonding vinyl ether monomers

Halogen bonding is rapidly becoming recognized as a viable and useful intermolecular interaction in supramolecular chemistry. While various monomers amenable to radical polymerization methods containing halogen bonding donors have been developed, this study aims to expand the type of monomers that incorporate this intermolecular interaction to facilitate use of cationic polymerization by developing three novel vinyl ether monomers containing halogen bonding donor moieties: 2,3,5,6-tetrafluoro-4-iodophenoxyethyl vinyl ether (C2I), 2,3,5,6-tetrafluoro-4-iodophenoxybutyl vinyl ether (C4I), and 2-(2,3,5,6-tetrafluoro-4-iodophenoxyethoxy)ethyl vinyl ether (O3I). Well controlled cationic polymerization is achievable through the use of a proton trap, 2,6-di-tert-butylpyridine. The use of SnCl₄ as a co-Lewis acid was found to accelerate the reaction. Between the three monomers, the difference in the chain length is shown to influence the reaction rate, with the longest chain demonstrating the fastest polymerization. Initial studies of the halogen bonding ability shows that halogen bonding exists for all three monomers but is most pronounced in C4I. The polymerized vinyl ethers also exhibit halogen bonding. Due to the ease of synthesis and polymerization, these are promising new monomers to increase functionality available for polymers synthesized using cationic polymerization.

Three novel vinyl ether monomers containing halogen bonding moieties were synthesized, polymerized via cationic polymerization and exhibited clear halogen bonding.

Evaluation of Halogenopyridinium Cations as Halogen Bond Donors

We have performed a database survey and a structural and computational study of the potential and the limitations of halogenopyridinium cations as halogen bond donors. The database survey demonstrated that adding a positive charge on a halogenopyridine ring increases the probability that the halogen atom will participate in a halogen bond, although for chloropyridines it remains below 60%. Crystal structures of both protonated and N-methylated monohalogenated pyridinium cations revealed that the iodo- and bromopyridinium cations always form halogen-bonding contacts with the iodide anions shorter than the sum of the vdW radii, while chloropyridinium cations mostly participate in longer contacts or fail to form halogen bonds. Although a DFT study of the electrostatic potential has shown that both protonation and N-methylation of halogenopyridines leads to a considerable increase in the ESP of the halogen σ-hole, it is generally not the most positive site on the cation, allowing for alternate binding sites.

Halogen and Hydrogen Bond Motifs in Ionic Cocrystals Derived from 3-Halopyridinium Halogenides and Perfluorinated Iodobenzenes

Four halopyridinium salts, 3-chloro- and 3-bromopyridinium chlorides and bromides, have been successfully cocrystallized with two ditopic perfluorinated iodobenzenes, 1,4-diiodotetrafluorobenzene and 1,2-diiodotetrafluorobenzene. These halogen bond donor molecules were chosen because the different positionings of halogen bond donor atoms can lead to different supramolecular architectures. In this work, we present insight into the halogen bond acceptor potential of chloride and bromide ions, as well as the halogen bond donor potential of chlorine and bromine atoms substituted on the pyridinium ring when combined with the expectedly very strong hydrogen bonds between halopyridinium ions and free halogenide anions. A series of eight cocrystals were obtained in which three pairs of isostructural cocrystals were formed. Dominant interactions in the obtained cocrystals were charge-assisted hydrogen bonds between halopyridinium cations and halogenide ions as well as halogen bonds between halogen atoms on the pyridinium ring and halogenide ions.

Halogen Bonding in N-Alkyl-3-halogenopyridinium Salts

We performed a structural study of N-alkylated halogenopyridinium cations to examine whether choice of the N-substituent has any considerable effect on the halogen bonding capability of the cations. For that purpose, we prepared a series of N-ethyl-3-halopyridinium iodides and compared them with their N-methyl-3-halopyridinium analogues. Structural analysis revealed that N-ethylated halogenopyridinium cations form slightly shorter C−X⋯I− halogen bonds with iodide anion. We have also attempted synthesis of ditopic symmetric bis-(3-iodopyridinium) dications. Although successful in only one case, the syntheses have afforded two novel ditopic asymmetric monocations with an iodine atom bonded to the pyridine ring and another on the aliphatic N-substituent. Here, the C−I⋯I− halogen bond lengths involving pyridine iodine atom were notably shorter than those involving an aliphatic iodine atom as a halogen bond donor. This trend in halogen bond lengths is in line with the charge distribution on the Hirshfeld surfaces of the cations—the positive charge is predominantly located in the pyridine ring making the pyridine iodine atom σ-hole more positive than the one on the alkyl chan.

Tautomeric Equilibrium of an Asymmetric β-Diketone in Halogen-Bonded Cocrystals with Perfluorinated Iodobenzenes

In order to study the effect of halogen bond on tautomerism in β-diketones in the solid-state, we have prepared a series of cocrystals derived from an asymmetric β-diketone, benzoyl-4-pyridoylmethane (b4pm), as halogen bond acceptor and perfluorinated iodobenzenes: iodopentaflourobenzene (ipfb), 1,2-, 1,3- and 1,4-diiodotetraflorobenzene (12tfib, 13tfib and 14tfib) and 1,3,5-triiodo-2,4,6-trifluorobenzene (135titfb). All five cocrystals are assembled by I···N halogen bonds involving pyridyl nitrogen and iodoperfluorobenzene iodine resulting in 1:1 (four compounds) or 1:2 (one compound) cocrystal stoichiometry. Tautomer of b4pm in which hydrogen atom is adjacent to the pyridyl fragment was found to be more stable in vacuo than tautomer with a benzoyl hydroxyl group. This tautomer is also found to be dominant in the majority of crystal structures, somewhat more abundantly in crystal structures of cocrystals in which additional I···O halogen bond with the benzoyl oxygen has been established. Attempts have also been made to prepare an equivalent series of cocrystals using a closely related asymmetric β-diketone, benzoyl-3-pyridoylmethane (b3pm); however, all attempts were unsuccessful, which is attributed to more effective crystal packing of b3pm isomer compared to b4pm, which reduced the probability of cocrystal formation.

The Amine Group as Halogen Bond Acceptor in Cocrystals of Aromatic Diamines and Perfluorinated Iodobenzenes

In order to study the proclivity of primary amine groups to act as halogen bond acceptors, three aromatic diamines (p-phenylenediamine (pphda), benzidine (bnzd) and o-tolidine (otol)) were cocrystallised with three perfluorinated iodobenzenes (1,4-tetrafluorodiiodobenzene (14tfib), 1,3-tetrafluorodiiodobenzene (13tfib) and 1,3,5-trifluorotriiodobenzene (135tfib)) as halogen bond donors. Five cocrystals were obtained: (pphda)(14tfib), (bnzd)(13tfib)2, (bnzd)(135tfib)4, (otol)(14tfib) and (otol)(135tfib)2. In spite of the variability of both stoichiometries and structures of the cocrystals, in all the prepared cocrystals the amine groups form exclusively I···N halogen bonds, while the amine hydrogen atoms participate mostly in N–H⋯F contacts. The preference of the amine nitrogen atom toward the halogen bond, as opposed to the hydrogen bond (with amine as a donor), is rationalised by means of computed hydrogen and halogen bond energies, indicating that the halogen bond energy between a simple primary amine (methylamine) and a perfluorinated iodobenzene (pentafluoroiodobenze ne) is ca. 15 kJ mol−1 higher than the energy of the (H)NH∙∙∙NH2 hydrogen bond between two amine molecules.

Short X···N Halogen Bonds With Hexamethylenetetraamine as the Acceptor

Hexamethylenetetramine (HMTA) and N-haloimides form two types of short (imide)X···N and X–X···N (X = Br, I) halogen bonds. Nucleophilic substitution or ligand-exchange reaction on the peripheral X of X–X···N with the chloride of N-chlorosuccinimide lead to Cl–X···N halogen-bonded complexes. The 1:1 complexation of HMTA and ICl manifests the shortest I···N halogen bond [2.272(5) Å] yet reported for an HMTA acceptor. Two halogen-bonded organic frameworks are prepared using 1:4 molar ratio of HMTA and N-bromosuccinimide, each with a distinct channel shape, one possessing oval and the other square grid. The variations in channel shapes are due to tridentate and tetradentate (imide)Br···N coordination modes of HMTA. Density Functional Theory (DFT) studies are performed to gain insights into (imide)X···N interaction strengths (ΔEint). The calculated ΔEint values for (imide)Br···N (−11.2 to −12.5 kcal/mol) are smaller than the values for (imide)I···N (−8.4 to −29.0 kcal/mol). The DFT additivity analysis of (imide)Br···N motifs demonstrates Br···N interaction strength gradually decreasing from 1:1 to 1:3 HMTA:N-bromosuccinimide complexes. Exceptionally similar charge density values ρ(r) for N–I covalent bond and I···N non-covalent bond of a (saccharin)N–I···N motif signify the covalent character for I···N halogen bonding.

Short X···N Halogen Bonds With Hexamethylenetetraamine as the Acceptor

Hexamethylenetetramine (HMTA) and N-haloimides form two types of short (imide)X···N and X-X···N (X = Br, I) halogen bonds. Nucleophilic substitution or ligand-exchange reaction on the peripheral X of X-X···N with the chloride of N-chlorosuccinimide lead to Cl-X···N halogen-bonded complexes. The 1:1 complexation of HMTA and ICl manifests the shortest I···N halogen bond [2.272(5) Å] yet reported for an HMTA acceptor. Two halogen-bonded organic frameworks are prepared using 1:4 molar ratio of HMTA and N-bromosuccinimide, each with a distinct channel shape, one possessing oval and the other square grid. The variations in channel shapes are due to tridentate and tetradentate (imide)Br···N coordination modes of HMTA. Density Functional Theory (DFT) studies are performed to gain insights into (imide)X···N interaction strengths (ΔE_int). The calculated ΔE_int values for (imide)Br···N (-11.2 to -12.5 kcal/mol) are smaller than the values for (imide)I···N (-8.4 to -29.0 kcal/mol). The DFT additivity analysis of (imide)Br···N motifs demonstrates Br···N interaction strength gradually decreasing from 1:1 to 1:3 HMTA:N-bromosuccinimide complexes. Exceptionally similar charge density values ρ(r) for N-I covalent bond and I···N non-covalent bond of a (saccharin)N-I···N motif signify the covalent character for I···N halogen bonding.

Crystal engineering strategies towards halogen-bonded metal–organic multi-component solids: salts, cocrystals and salt cocrystals

This highlight presents an overview of the current advances in the preparation of halogen bonded metal–organic multi-component solids, including salts and cocrystals comprising neutral and ionic constituents.

Exploring the Halogen-Bonded Cocrystallization Potential of a Metal-Organic Unit Derived from Copper(ii) Chloride and 4-Aminoacetophenone

In this work, we describe a novel halogen-bonded metal-organic cocrystal involving a square-planar Cu(ii) complex and 1,4-diiodotetrafluorobenzene (14tfib) by utilizing an amine ligand whose pendant acetyl group enables halogen bonding. The cocrystal was prepared by both mechanochemical synthesis (liquid-assisted grinding) and the conventional solution-based method. Crystal structure determination by single crystal X-ray diffraction revealed that the dominant supramolecular interactions are the I···O halogen bond between 14tfib and CuCl₂(aap)₂ building blocks, and the N–H···Cl hydrogen bonds between CuCl₂(aap)₂ molecules. The combination of halogen and hydrogen bonding leads to the formation of a 2D network. Overall, this work showcases an example of the possibility for extending the complexity of metal-organic crystal structures by using halogen bonding in a way that does not affect other hydrogen bonding synthons.

Cobaloximes as Building Blocks in Halogen-Bonded Cocrystals

In this work, we explore the halogen-bonded cocrystallization potential of cobaloxime complexes in the synthesis of cocrystals with perhalogenated benzenes. We demonstrate a strategy for synthesizing halogen-bonded metal–organic cocrystals by utilizing cobaloximes whose pendant bromide group and oxime oxygen enable halogen bonding. By combining three well-known halogen bond donor molecules differing in binding geometry and composition with three cobaloxime units, we obtained a total of four previously unreported cocrystals. Single crystal X-ray diffraction experiments showed that the majority of obtained cocrystals exhibited the formation of the targeted I···O and I···Br motives. These results illustrate the potential of cobaloximes as halogen bond acceptors and indicate that this type of halogen bond acceptors may offer a novel route to metal–organic halogen-bonded cocrystals.

New Crystal Forms for Biologically Active Compounds. Part 2: Anastrozole as N-Substituted 1,2,4-Triazole in Halogen Bonding and Lp-π Interactions with 1,4-Diiodotetrafluorobenzene

For an active pharmaceutical ingredient, it is important to stabilize its specific crystal polymorph. If the potential interconversion of various polymorphs is not carefully controlled, it may lead to deterioration of the drug’s physicochemical profile and, ultimately, its therapeutic efficacy. The desired polymorph stabilization can be achieved via co-crystallization with appropriate crystallophoric excipients. In this work, we identified an opportunity for co-crystallization of anastrozole (ASZ), a well-known aromatase inhibitor useful in second-line therapy of estrogen-dependent breast cancer, with a classical XB donor, 1,2,4,5-tetrafluoro-3,6-diiodobenzene (1,4-FIB). In the X-ray structures of ASZ·1.5 (1,4-FIB) co-crystal, different non-covalent interactions involving hydrogen and halogen atoms were detected and studied by quantum chemical calculations and QTAIM analysis at the ωB97XD/DZP-DKH level of theory.

A Novel Halogen Bond Acceptor: 1-(4-Pyridyl)-4-Thiopyridine (PTP) Zwitterion

Sulfur is a widely used halogen bond (XB) acceptor, but only a limited number of neutral XB acceptors with bifurcated sp3-S sites have been reported. In this work a new bidentate XB acceptor, 1-(4-pyridyl)-4-thiopyridine (PTP), which combines sp3-S and sp2-N acceptor sites, is introduced. Three halogen bonded cocrystals were obtained by using 1,4-diiodobenzene (DIB), 1,4-diiodotetrafluorobenzene (DIFB), and iodopentafluorobenzene (IPFB) as XB donors and PTP as acceptor. The structures of the cocrystals showed some XB selectivity between the S and N donors in PTP. However, the limited contribution of XB to the overall molecular packing in these three cocrystals and the results from DSC measurements clearly point out the synergetic influence and interplay of all noncovalent interactions in crystal packing of these compounds.

The effect of halogen bonding on protonated hexacyanoferrate networks in hexacyanoferrates of halogenopyridines

Hydrogen bonded network of protonated hexacyanoferrate anions is determined by geometry and halogen bonding proclivity of the halogenopyridinium cation.

Halogenide anions as halogen and hydrogen bond acceptors in iodopyridinium halogenides

Structures of iodopyridinium halogenides have demonstrated why iodide, the weakest halogen bond acceptor among the halogenides, preferentially forms halogen bonds.

Supramolecular synthesis with N-hetero-tolanes: liquid crystals and hydrogen-bonded and halogen-bonded co-crystals

Supramolecular, crystalline aggregates are obtained from EO-active N-hetero-tolanes by protonation or halogen bonding.

A Crystallographic Charge Density Study of the Partial Covalent Nature of Strong N⋅⋅⋅Br Halogen Bonds

The covalent nature of strong N-Br⋅⋅⋅N halogen bonds in a cocrystal (2) of N-bromosuccinimide (NBS) with 3,5-dimethylpyridine (lut) was determined from X-ray charge density studies and compared to a weak N-Br⋅⋅⋅O halogen bond in pure crystalline NBS (1) and a covalent bond in bis(3-methylpyridine)bromonium cation (in its perchlorate salt (3). In 2, the donor N-Br bond is elongated by 0.0954 Å, while the Br⋅⋅⋅acceptor distance of 2.3194(4) is 1.08 Å shorter than the sum of the van der Waals radii. A maximum electron density of 0.38 e Å^-3 along the Br⋅⋅⋅N halogen bond indicates a considerable covalent contribution to the total interaction. This value is intermediate to 0.067 e Å^-3 for the Br⋅⋅⋅O contact in 1, and approximately 0.7 e Å^-3 in both N-Br bonds of the bromonium cation in 3. A calculation of the natural bond order charges of the contact atoms, and the σ*(N1-Br) population of NBS as a function of distance between NBS and lut, have shown that charge transfer becomes significant at a Br⋅⋅⋅N distance below about 3 Å.

Halogen-bonded cocrystallization with phosphorus, arsenic and antimony acceptors

The formation of non-covalent directional interactions, such as hydrogen or halogen bonds, is a central concept of materials design, which hinges on using small compact atoms of the 2nd period, notably nitrogen and oxygen, as acceptors. Heavier atoms are much less prominent in that context, and mostly limited to sulfur. Here, we report the experimental observation and theoretical study of halogen bonds to phosphorus, arsenic and antimony in the solid state. Combining 1,3,5-trifluoro-2,4,6-triiodobenzene with triphenylphosphine, -arsine, and -stibine provides cocrystals based on I···P, I···As and I···Sb halogen bonds. The demonstration that increasingly metallic pnictogens form halogen bonds sufficiently strong to enable cocrystal formation is an advance in supramolecular chemistry which opens up opportunities in materials science, as shown by colossal thermal expansion of the cocrystal involving I···Sb halogen bonds.

Halogen bonding can be exploited for the design of functional supramolecular materials, but heavier elements that are known to accept a halogen bond remain limited. Here, the authors demonstrate the formation of two-component cocrystals based on halogen bonds with phosphorus, arsenic and antimony.

Supramolecular forces and their interplay in stabilizing complexes of organic anions: tuning binding selectivity in water

The interplay of different supramolecular forces in stabilizing organic anion complexes with s-tetrazine-based ligands in aqueous solution: a microscopic description.

Halogen bonding of the aldehyde oxygen atom in cocrystals of aromatic aldehydes and 1,4-diiodotetrafluorobenzene

Novel halogen bonded cocrystals of aromatic aldehydes have been synthesized. We present the halogen bond acceptor potential of the aldehyde group oxygen atom in competition with the hydroxy, methoxy and pyridine groups.

Aryl-platform-based tetrapodal 2-iodo-imidazolium as an excellent halogen bond receptor in aqueous medium

The graphic shows a halogen bonding interaction between a tetrapodal platform attached to a 2-iodo-imidazole unit and bromide in water.

Halogen-Bond-Assisted Photoluminescence Modulation in Carbazole-Based Emitter

Halogen bonding between a carbazole-based, pyridine-substituted organic semiconductor and a common halogen-bond donor (pentafluoroiodobenzene) yields efficient halogen-bond-driven fluorescence modulation in solution. Steady-state, time-resolved emission and absorption spectroscopy as well as density functional theory studies demonstrate that the fluorescence modulation arises from halogen-bond-induced intramolecular charge transfer. Fluorescence modulation offers a range of possibilities both in solution and in the solid state, for instance providing a potential pathway for the design of tunable luminescent materials for light-emitting devices.

Halogen Bonding in Solution: Anion Recognition, Templated Self-Assembly, and Organocatalysis

The halogen bond is a supramolecular interaction between a Lewis-acidic region of a covalently bound halogen and a Lewis base. It has been studied widely in silico and experimentally in the solid state; however, solution-phase applications have attracted enormous interest in the last few years. This Minireview highlights selected recent developments in halogen bond interactions in solution, with a focus on the use of receptors based on halogen bonds in anion recognition and sensing, anion-templated self-assembly, as well as in organocatalysis.