Halogen bonding in metal–organic–supramolecular networks

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°.

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.

σ-Hole Site-Based Interactions within Hypervalent Pnicogen, Halogen, and Aerogen-Bearing Molecules with Lewis Bases: A Comparative Study

σ-Hole site-based interactions in the trigonal bipyramidal geometrical structure of hypervalent pnicogen, halogen, and aerogen-bearing molecules with pyridine and NCH Lewis bases (LBs) were comparatively examined. In this respect, the ZF5···, XF3O2···, and AeF2O3···LB complexes (where Z = As, Sb; X = Br, I; Ae = Kr, Xe; and LB = pyridine and NCH) were investigated. The electrostatic potential (EP) analysis affirmations outlined the occurrence of σ-holes on the systems under consideration with disparate magnitudes that increased according to the following order: AeF2O3 < XF3O2 < ZF5. In line with EP outcomes, the proficiency of σ-hole site-based interactions increased as the atomic size of the central atom increased with a higher favorability for the pyridine-based complexes over NCH-based ones. The interaction energy showed the most favorable negative values of -35.97, -44.53, and -56.06 kcal/mol for the XeF2O3···, IF3O2···, and SbF5···pyridine complexes, respectively. The preferentiality pattern of the studied interactions could be explained as a consequence of (i) the dramatic rearrangement of ZF5 molecules from the trigonal bipyramid geometry to the square pyramidal one, (ii) the significant and tiny deformation energy in the case of the interaction of XF3O2 molecules with pyridine and NCH, respectively, and (iii) the absence of geometrical deformation within the AeF2O3···pyridine and ···NCH complexes other than the XeF2O3···pyridine one. Quantum theory of atoms in molecules and noncovalent interaction index findings reveal the partially covalent nature of most of the investigated interactions. Symmetry-adapted perturbation theory affirmations declared that the electrostatic component was the driving force beyond the occurrence of the considered interactions. The obtained findings will help in improving our understanding of the effect of geometrical deformation on intermolecular interactions.

Halogen Bonding in the Decoration of Secondary Coordination Sphere of Zinc(II) and Cadmium(II) Complexes: Catalytic Application in Cycloaddition Reaction of CO2 with Epoxides

Three new zinc(II) complexes [Zn(H2L3)2(H2O)3] (Zn2), [Zn(H3L2a)(H2O)3]n (Zn3) (H3L2a = 2,4-diiodo-5-(2-(2,4,6-trioxotetrahydropyrimidin-5(2H)-ylidene)hydrazineyl)isophthalate) and [Zn(HL4)(DMF)(H2O)]n (Zn4) were synthesized by the reaction of Zn(II) salts with 5-(2-(2,4-dioxopentan-3-ylidene)hydrazineyl) isophthalic acid (H3L3), 2,4,6-triiodo-5-(2-(2,4,6-trioxotetrahydropyrimidin-5(2H)-ylidene)hydrazineyl) isophthalic acid (H5L2) (in the presence of NH2OH·HCl) and 5-(2-(2,4-dioxopentan-3-ylidene)hydrazineyl)-2,4,6-triiodoisophthalic acid (H3L4), respectively. According to the X-ray structural analysis, the intramolecular resonance-assisted hydrogen bond ring remains intact, with N···O distances of 2.562(5) and 2.573(5) Å in Zn2, 2.603(6) Å in Zn3, and 2.563(8) Å in Zn4. In the crystal packing of Zn3, the cooperation of I···O and I···I types of halogen bonds between tectons leads to a one-dimensional supramolecular polymer, while I···O interactions aggregate 1D chains of coordination polymer Zn4. These new complexes (Zn2, Zn3, and Zn4) and known [Zn(H3L1)(H2O)2]n (Zn1) (H3L1 = 5-(2-(2,4,6-trioxotetrahydropyrimidin-5(2H)-ylidene) hydrazineyl)isophthalate), {[Zn(H3L1)(H2O)3]·3H2O}n (Zn5), [Cd(H3L1)(H2O)2]n (Cd1), {[Cd(HL3)(H2O)2(DMF)]·H2O}n (Cd2), [Cd(H3L3)]n (Cd-3), {[Cd2(μ-H2O)2(μ-H2L4)2(H2L4)2]·2H2O}n (Cd4), and {[Cd(H3L1)(H2O)3]·4H2O}n (Cd5) were tested as catalysts in the cycloaddition reaction of CO2 with epoxides in the presence of tetrabutylammonium halides as the cocatalyst. The halogen-bonded catalyst Zn4 is the most efficient one in the presence of tetrabutylammonium bromide by affording a high yield (85-99%) of cyclic carbonates under solvent-free conditions after 48 h at 40 bar and 80 °C.

Chalcogen bonding in copper(II)-mediated synthesis

The chalcogen bond (ChB) is a noncovalent attraction between an electrophilic chalcogen atom and a nucleophilic (Nu) region in the same (intramolecular) or another (intermolecular) molecular entity: R-Ch⋯Nu (Ch = O, S, Se or Te; R = substituents; Nu = nucleophile). ChB is comparable to the hydrogen and halogen bonds both in terms of strengths and directionality. However, in contrast to the monovalent halogen atoms, usually the divalent or tetravalent chalcogen atoms are able to display more than one electrophilic centre (on account of the existence of two or three species bonded to the chalcogen atom), which provides an additional opportunity in the use of this type of noncovalent binding in synthetic operations. In this work, the role of ChB at the secondary coordination sphere of metal complexes through copper(II)-mediated activation of dioxygen or of one nitrile group of a 1,2,5-selenadiazole-3,4-dicarbonitrile ligand to form a carbimidate or an imino-carboxylic acid is demonstrated. DFT calculations allowed evaluation of the strength of the ChBs and proved their relevant structure directing role in the solid state architectures. The effect of metal-coordination on the σ-hole opposite to the coordinated SeO bond has been analysed using molecular electrostatic potential (MEP) surfaces and explains the greater ability of the coordinated selenoxide derivatives to form strong ChBs.

Halogen bonds, chalcogen bonds, pnictogen bonds, tetrel bonds and other σ-hole interactions: a snapshot of current progress

We report here on the status of research on halogen bonds and other σ-hole interactions involving p-block elements in Lewis acidic roles, such as chalcogen bonds, pnictogen bonds and tetrel bonds. A brief overview of the available literature in this area is provided via a survey of the many review articles that address this field. Our focus has been to collect together most review articles published since 2013 to provide an easy entry into the extensive literature in this area. A snapshot of current research in the area is provided by an introduction to the virtual special issue compiled in this journal, comprising 11 articles and entitled `Halogen, chalcogen, pnictogen and tetrel bonds: structural chemistry and beyond.'

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.

(2-Hydroxy-3-Methoxybenzylidene)thiazolo[3,2-a]pyrimidines: Synthesis, Self-Assembly in the Crystalline Phase and Cytotoxic Activity

A series of new 2-hydroxy-3-methoxybenzylidenethiazolo[3,2-a]pyrimidines with different aryl substituents at the 5 position are synthesized and characterized by ¹H/ ¹³C NMR and IR-spectroscopy and mass-spectrometry, as well as single crystal X-ray diffraction (SCXRD). It was demonstrated that the type of hydrogen bonding can play a key role in the chiral discrimination of these compounds in the crystalline phase. The hydrogen bond of the O-H...N type leads to 1D supramolecular heterochiral chains or conglomerate crystallization in the case of the formation of homochiral chains. The hydrogen bond of O-H...O type gave racemic dimers, which are packed into 2D supramolecular layers with a parallel or angular dimers arrangement. Halogen bonding of the N...Br or O...Br type brings a new motif into supramolecular self-assembly in the crystalline phase: the formation of 1D supramolecular homochiral chains instead 2D supramolecular layers. The study of cytotoxicity against various tumor cells in vitro was carried out. It was found that 2-hydroxy-3-methoxybenzylidenethiazolo[3,2-a]pyrimidines with 3-nitrophenyl substituent at C5 carbon atom demonstrated a high efficiency against M-HeLa (cervical adenocarcinoma) and low cytotoxicity against normal liver cells.

Two-Dimensional and Three-Dimensional Coordination Polymers Based on Ln(III) and 2,5-Diiodoterephthalates: Structures and Luminescent Behavior

Five new coordination polymers based on Ln3+ and 2,5-diiodoterephthalates (2,5-I-bdc)— {[La2(2,5-I-bdc)3(DMF)4]}·2DMF (1) and {[Ln2(2,5-I-bdc)3(DMF)4]} (Ln = La (2), Nd (3), Sm (4) and Eu (5))—were prepared and characterized by single crystal and powder X-ray diffractometry. Luminescent behavior was examined (the highest quantum yield is 4.5%); thermal stability was examined using thermogravimetric analysis.

Heteroleptic Zn(II)–Pentaiodobenzoate Complexes: Structures and Features of Halogen–Halogen Non-Covalent Interactions in Solid State

Reactions between Zn(II) nitrate, pentaiodobenzoic acid (HPIBA) and different pyridines in dimethylformamide (DMF) result in the formation of the heteroleptic neutral complexes [Zn(3,5-MePy)2PIBA2] (1) and [Zn(DMF)3(NO3)PIBA] (2). Both compounds were isolated in pure form, as shown by the PXRD data. The features of specific non-covalent interactions involving halogen atoms (halogen bonding) were examined by means of DFT calculations (QTAIM analysis and the estimation of corresponding energies).

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.

Synthesis, Structural Characterization, and Water Vapor Sorption Behavior of Two Ligand Ratio-Dependent Supramolecular Networks, [Cd(2,2'-bpym)1.5(BDC)]·0.5(2,2'-bpym)·5H2O and [Cd(2,2'-bpym)0.5(BDC)(H2O)3]

Two ligand ratio-dependent supramolecular networks, [Cd(2,2'-bpym)_1.5(BDC)]·0.5(2,2'-bpym)·5H₂O (1) and [Cd(2,2'-bpym)_0.5(BDC)(H₂O)₃] (2), (BDC^2- = dianion of terephthalic acid and 2,2'-bpym = 2,2'-bipyrimidine) have been synthesized and structurally characterized by the single-crystal X-ray diffraction method. Structural determination reveals that compound 1 is a two-dimensional (2D) layered metal-organic framework (MOF) constructed via the bridges of Cd(II) ions with 2,2'-bpym and BDC^2- ligands, and compound 2 is a zero-dimensional (0D) 2,2'-bpym-bridged di-Cd(II) monomeric complex. When the thermally dehydrated powders of 1 (at 100 °C) were immersed into water solution, most of the dehydrated powders of 1 underwent structural transformation back to rehydrated 1, but very little amounts of the dehydrated powders of 1 were decomposed to light-brown crystals of 2 or colorless crystals of a new coordination polymer (CP), [Cd(2,2'-bpym)(BDC)(H₂O)]·3H₂O (3), with its one-dimensional (1D) zigzag chain-like framework being constructed via the bridges of Cd(II) ions with the BDC^2- ligand. Structural analysis reveals that all 3D supramolecular networks of 1-3 are further constructed via strong intermolecular interactions, including hydrogen bonds and π-π stacking interactions. Compounds 1 and 2 both exhibit significant water vapor hysteresis isotherms, and their cyclic water de-/adsorption behavior accompanied with solid-state structural transformation has been verified by de-/rehydration TG analyses and powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD) measurements.

Zn(II) and Co(II) 3D Coordination Polymers Based on 2-Iodoterephtalic Acid and 1,2-bis(4-pyridyl)ethane: Structures and Sorption Properties

Metal-organic frameworks [M₂(2-I-bdc)₂bpe] (M = Zn(II) (1), Co(II) (2), 2-I-bdc = 2-iodoterephtalic acid, and bpe = 1,2-bis(4-pyridyl)ethane) were prepared and characterized by X-ray diffractometry. Both compounds retain their 3D structure after the removal of guest DMF molecules. Selectivity of sorption of different organic substrates from the gas phase was investigated for both complexes.

Photo-sensitive hybrids constructed from diphenyliodonium and metal-thiocyanates: photo-induced structure and property transformations

New hybrids constructed from diphenyliodonium and metal thiocyanates have been prepared, and their photo-induced structural transformations and corresponding color/fluorescence/magnetism variations have been investigated.

Syntheses, structures and magnetic properties of two CoII/NiII isostructural coordination polymers based on an asymmetric semirigid tricarboxylate ligand

Two new isostructural complexes, namely, poly[aqua[μ₃-2-(4-carboxyphenoxy)terephthalato-κ³O¹:O⁴:O^4'](1,10-phenanthroline-κ²N,N')cobalt(II)], [Co(C₁₅H₈O₇)(C₁₂H₈N₂)(H₂O)]_n or [Co(μ₃-Hcpota)(phen)(H₂O)]_n, I, and poly[aqua[μ₃-2-(4-carboxyphenoxy)terephthalato-κ³O¹:O⁴:O^4'](1,10-phenanthroline-κ²N,N')nickel(II)], [Ni(C₁₅H₈O₇)(C₁₂H₈N₂)(H₂O)]_n or [Ni(μ₃-Hcpota)(phen)(H₂O)]_n, II, have been synthesized by solvothermal reactions. Complexes I and II were fully characterized by IR spectroscopy, elemental analyses, thermogravimetric analyses, and powder and single-crystal X-ray diffraction. They both present two-dimensional structures based on [M₂(μ-COO)₂]²⁺ (M = Co^II or Ni^II) dinuclear metal units with a fes topology and a vertex symbol (4·8²). Interestingly, the positions of the two dimeric metal motifs and the two partially deprotonated Hcpota^2- ligands reproduce regular flying butterfly arrangements flipped upside down and sharing wings in the ab plane. Magnetic studies indicate antiferromagnetic interactions (J = -5.21 cm^-1 for I and -11.53 cm^-1 for II) in the dimeric units, with Co...Co and Ni...Ni distances of 4.397 (1) and 4.358 (1) Å, respectively, that are related to double syn-anti carboxylate bridges.

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.

Noncovalent Axial I⋅⋅⋅Pt⋅⋅⋅I Interactions in Platinum(II) Complexes Strengthen in the Excited State

Coordination compounds of platinum(II) participate in various noncovalent axial interactions involving metal center. Weakly bound axial ligands can be electrophilic or nucleophilic; however, interactions with nucleophiles are compromised by electron density clashing. Consequently, simultaneous axial interaction of platinum(II) with two nucleophilic ligands is almost unprecedented. Herein, we report structural and computational study of a platinum(II) complex possessing such intramolecular noncovalent I⋅⋅⋅Pt⋅⋅⋅I interactions. Structural analysis indicates that the two iodine atoms approach the platinum(II) center in a "side-on" fashion and act as nucleophilic ligands. According to computational studies, the interactions are dispersive, weak and anti-cooperative in the ground electronic state, but strengthen substantially and become partially covalent and cooperative in the lowest excited state. Strengthening of I⋅⋅⋅Pt⋅⋅⋅I contacts in the excited state is also predicted for the sole previously reported complex with analogous axial interactions.

Interplay of Halogen and Hydrogen Bonding through Co-Crystallization in Pharmacologically Active Dihydropyrimidines: Insights from Crystal Structure and Energy Framework

A solvent-assisted grinding method has been used to prepare co-crystals in substituted dihydropyrimidines (DHPM) that constitutes pharmacologically active compounds. These were characterized using FT-IR, PXRD, and single-crystal X-ray diffraction. In order to explore the possibility of formation of halogen (XB) and hydrogen bonding (HB) synthons in the solid state, co-crystallization attempts of differently substituted DHPM molecules, containing nitro, hydoxy, and chloro substituents, with different co-formers, such as 1,4-diiodo tetrafluorobenzene (1,4 DITFB) and 3-nitrobenzoic acid (3 NBA) were performed. The XB co-crystals (C2aXB, C2bXB, and C2cXB) prefer the formation of C-I⋅⋅⋅O/C-I⋅⋅⋅S XB synthon, whereas the HB co-crystal (C2dHB) is stabilized by N-H⋅⋅⋅O H-bond formation. Hirshfeld surface analysis revealed that the percentage contribution of intermolecular interactions for XB co-crystals prefer equal contribution of XB synthon along with HB synthon. Furthermore, the interaction energy was analyzed using energy frameworks, which suggests that their stability, a combination of electrostatics and dispersion, is enhanced through XB/HB in comparison to the parent DHPMs.

Noncovalent Interactions at Lanthanide Complexes

Lanthanide complexes have attracted a widespread attention due to their structural diversity, as well as multifunctional and tunable properties. The development of lanthanide based functional materials has often relied on the design of the secondary coordination sphere of the corresponding lanthanide complexes. For instance, usually simple lanthanide salts (solvento complexes) do not catalyze effectively organic reactions or provide low yield of the expected product, whereas the presence of a suitable organic ligand with a noncovalent bond donor or acceptor centre (secondary coordination sphere) modifies the symmetry around the metal centre in lanthanide complexes which then successfully can act as catalysts in both homogenous and heterogenous catalysis. In this minireview, we discuss several relevant examples, based on X-ray crystal structure analyses, in which the hydrogen, halogen, chalcogen, pnictogen, tetrel and rare-earth bonds, as well as cation-π, anion-π, lone pair-π, π-π and pancake interactions, are used as a synthon in the decoration of the secondary coordination sphere of lanthanide complexes.

Tetrabromoethane as σ-Hole Donor toward Bromide Ligands: Halogen Bonding between C2H2Br4 and Bromide Dialkylcyanamide Platinum(II) Complexes

The complexes trans-[PtBr2(NCNR2)2] (R2 = Me21, (CH2)52) were cocrystallized with 1,1,2,2-tetrabromoethane (tbe) in CH2Cl2 forming solvates 1·tbe and 2·tbe, respectively. In both solvates, tbe involved halogen bonding, viz. the C–Br···Br–Pt interactions, were detected by single-crystal X-ray diffractions experiments. Appropriate density functional theory calculations (M06/def2-TZVP) performed for isolated molecules and complex-tbe clusters, where the existence of the interactions and their noncovalent nature were confirmed by electrostatic potential surfaces (ρ = 0.001 a.u.) for isolated molecules, topology analysis of electron density, electron localization function and HOMO-LUMO overlap projections for clusters.

The Isocyanide Complexes cis-[MCl2(CNC6H4-4-X)2] (M = Pd, Pt; X = Cl, Br) as Tectons in Crystal Engineering Involving Halogen Bonds

The isocyanide complexes cis-[MCl2(CNC6H4-4-X)2] (M = Pd; X = Cl, Br; M = Pt; X = Br) form isomorphous crystal structures exhibiting the Cl/Br and Pd/Pt exchanges featuring 1D chains upon crystallisation. Crystal packing is supported by the C–X···X–C halogen bonds (HaBs), C–H···X–C hydrogen bonds (HB), X···M semicoordination, and C···C contacts between the C atoms of aryl isocyanide ligands. The results of DFT calculations and topological analysis indicate that all the above contact types belong to attractive noncovalent interactions. A projection of the electron localization function (ELF) and an inspection of the electron density (ED) and the electrostatic potential (ESP) reveal the amphiphilic nature of X atoms playing the role of HaB donors, HaB and HB acceptors, and a nucleophilic partner in X···M semicoordination.

Oxochloroselenate(IV) with Incorporated {Cl2 }: The Case of Strong Cl⋅⋅⋅Cl Halogen Bonding

Reaction of SeO₂ , tetramethylammonium (TMA) chloride, aqueous HCl and Cl₂ yields oxochloroselenate with incorporated Cl₂ units, TMA₃ {[Se₂ O₂ Cl₇ ](Cl₂ )}. The main feature of this compound is the strong (up to 3.5 kcal mol^-1 , according to DFT calculations) Cl⋅⋅⋅Cl bonding, which is also detected by Raman spectroscopy.

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.

Insights into the Topology and the Formation of a Genuine ppσ Bond: Experimental and Computed Electron Densities in Monoanionic Trichlorine [Cl3 ]. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2021;60:2569-2573. [PMID: 33151006 PMCID: PMC7898528 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202013727]

So far, several publications have discussed the bonding concepts in polyhalides on a theoretical basis. In particular, the trichlorine monoanion is of great interest because its structure should be symmetrical and show two equidistant Cl-Cl bonds. However, apart from matrix-isolation studies, only asymmetric trichlorine anions have been reported so far. Herein, the trichlorine monoanions in 2-chloroethyltrimethylammonium trichloride [NMe3 EtCl][Cl3 ], 1, tetramethylammonium trichloride [NMe4 ][Cl3 ], 2, and tetrapropylammonium trichloride [NnPr4 ][Cl3 ], 3, are analysed. High-resolution X-ray structures and experimental charge density analyses supported by periodic quantum-chemical calculations provide insight into the influence of the crystalline environment on the structure of these [Cl3 ]- anions as well as into the progress of the bond formation between a dichlorine molecule and a Cl- anion.

Modulation of Metallophilic and π-π Interactions in Platinum Cyclometalated Luminophores with Halogen Bonding

Luminescent cyclometalated complexes [M(C^N^N)CN] (M=Pt, Pd; HC^N^N=pyridinyl- (M=Pt 1, Pd 5), benzyltriazolyl- (M=Pt 2), indazolyl- (M=Pt 3, Pd 6), pyrazolyl-phenylpyridine (M=Pt 4)) decorated with cyanide ligand, have been explored as nucleophilic building blocks for the construction of halogen-bonded (XB) adducts using IC₆ F₅ as an XB donor. The negative electrostatic potential of the CN group afforded CN⋅⋅⋅I noncovalent interactions for platinum complexes 1-3; the energies of XB contacts are comparable to those of metallophilic bonding according to QTAIM analysis. Embedding the chromophore units into XB adducts 1-3⋅⋅⋅IC₆ F₅ has little effect on the charge distribution, but strongly affects Pt⋅⋅⋅Pt bonding and π-stacking, which lead to excited states of MMLCT (metal-metal-to-ligand charge transfer) origin. The energies of these states and the photoemissive properties of the crystalline materials are primarily determined by the degree of aggregation of the luminophores via metal-metal interactions. The adduct formation depends on the nature of the metal and the structure of the metalated ligand, the variation of which can yield dynamic XB-supported systems, exemplified by thermally regulated transition 3↔3⋅⋅⋅IC₆ F₅ .

Control of Molecular Orientation in Organic Semiconductors Using Weak Iodine-Iodine Interactions

Controlling the molecular orientation of materials is a key issue for improving the performance of organic semiconductor devices. Herein, we demonstrate the structure-property relationships of iodinated and noniodinated molecules based on an asymmetric thienoacene framework. The noniodinated molecule formed an antiparallel slip-stack structure with small orbital overlap between molecules. In contrast, the iodinated molecule formed a head-to-head layered-herringbone structure, and as a result, the transfer integrals became larger and the hole mobility increased significantly compared with the noniodinated material. The iodinated molecule was made into a stable and solution-processable p-type organic semiconductor with a mobility of 2.2 cm² V^-1 s^-1, which was 2 orders of magnitude higher than that of the noniodinated molecule. This study reveals that controlling molecular orientations using iodine-iodine interactions is a promising strategy for accelerating the development of organic semiconductor materials.

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.

Halogen bonding in crystals of free 1,2-diiodo-ethene (C2H2I2) and its π-complex [CpMn(CO)2](π-C2H2I2)

1,2-trans-diiodo-ethene (C2H2I2) – is an overlooked halogen bond donor, which demonstrate the distinct similarity of the geometry and directionality of I···I halogen bonds around the iodine atoms in its native and CpMn(CO)2(C2H2I2) π-complex crystals. Distortion of the planar geometry of C2H2I2 upon the π-coordination result the distortion of the native planar layered geometry of C2H2I2, so that [CpMn(CO)2](π-C2H2I2) features more complex I···I XB assisted 3D network. Unusual structural parallels between the native C2H2I2 crystals and solid iodine are discussed.

Halogenated Diazabutadiene Dyes: Synthesis, Structures, Supramolecular Features, and Theoretical Studies

Novel halogenated aromatic dichlorodiazadienes were prepared via copper-mediated oxidative coupling between the corresponding hydrazones and CCl₄. These rare azo-dyes were characterized using ¹H and ¹³C NMR techniques and X-ray diffraction analysis for five halogenated dichlorodiazadienes. Multiple non-covalent halogen···halogen interactions were detected in the solid state and studied by DFT calculations and topological analysis of the electron density distribution within the framework of Bader’s theory (QTAIM method). Theoretical studies demonstrated that non-covalent halogen···halogen interactions play crucial role in self-assembly of highly polarizable dichlorodiazadienes. Thus, halogen bonding can dictate a packing preference in the solid state for this class of dichloro-substituted heterodienes, which could be a convenient tool for a fine tuning of the properties of this novel class of dyes.