Steric Crowding in Tetrel Bonds

The Rivalry between Intramolecular Tetrel Bonds and Intermolecular Hydrogen Bonds in (O-Si) Chelates of N-Silylmethylamides and -ureas. A Theoretical Study

The comparison of the results of theoretical calculations of (O-Si) chelates of N-silylmethylated amides and ureas with the axial chlorine or fluorine atom at silicon to the data of X-ray analysis of related compounds revealed the formation of covalent O-Si tetrel bonds (TB) or noncovalent O⋅⋅⋅Si tetrel bonds (NTB). The nature of the formed tetrel bond depends on the substituents at silicon and the polarity of the medium. The competition between the intramolecular TB and intermolecular hydrogen bonds (HB) with proton donors depends on the center of basicity involved in the formation of HB, which could be either oxygen or halogen. The hydrogen bonding can result in changing the nature of the tetrel bonds from covalent to noncovalent and vice versa by varying their lengths and energies. The O-Si bond energies estimated by QTAIM analysis of N-[(chlorodimethylsilyl)methyl]-N-methylacetamide and its H-complexes vary within the range of 7.2 and 12 kcal/mol in gas and solution, respectively, and correlate with the O-Si bond lengths.

Tetrel Bonding of the Carbenium Ion Forms a Pentacoordinate Carbon Atom

As a flat trigonal species, the CR3 + carbenium ion contains a pair of deep π-holes above and below its molecular plane. In the case of CH3 + a first base will form a covalent bond with the central C, making the combined species tetrahedral. Approach of a second base to the opposite side results in a longer but rather strong noncovalent tetrel bond (TB). While CMe3 + can also form a similar asymmetric complex with a pair of bases, it also has the capacity to form a pair of nearly equivalent TBs, such that the resulting symmetric trigonal bipyramid configuration is only slightly higher in energy. When the three substituents on the central C are phenyl rings, the symmetric configuration with two TBs predominates. These tetrel bonds are quite strong, reaching up to 20 kcal/mol. Adding OPH2 or OCH substituents to the phenyl rings permits the formation of intramolecular C⋅⋅O TBs to the central C, very similar in many respects to the case where these TBs are intermolecular.

Types of noncovalent bonds within complexes of thiazole with CF4 and SiF4

The five-membered heteroaromatic thiazole molecule contains a number of electron-rich regions that could attract an electrophile, namely the N and S lone pairs that lie in the molecular plane, and π-system areas above the plane. The possibility of each of these sites engaging in a tetrel bond (TB) with CF4 and SiF4, as well as geometries that encompass a CH⋯F H-bond, was explored via DFT calculations. There are a number of minima that occur in the pairing of thiazole with CF4 that are very close in energy, but these complexes are weakly bound by less than 2 kcal mol-1 and the presence of a true TB is questionable. The inclusion of zero-point vibrational energies alters the energetic ordering, which is further modified when entropic effects are added. The preferred geometry would thus be sensitive to the temperature of an experiment. Replacement of CF4 by SiF4 leaves intact most of the configurations, and their tight energetic clustering, the ordering of which is again altered as the temperature rises. But there is one exception in that by far the most tightly bound complex involves a strong Si⋯N TB between SiF4 and the lone pair of the thiazole N, with an interaction energy of 30 kcal mol-1. Even accounting for its high deformation energy and entropic considerations, this structure remains as clearly the most stable at any temperature.

The Tetrel Bonds of Hypervalent Halogen Compounds

The tetrel bond between PhXF2Y(TF3) (T = C and Si; X = Cl, Br, and I; Y = F and Cl) and the electron donor MCN (M = Li and Na) was investigated at the M06-2X/aug-cc-pVDZ level of theory. As the electronegativity of the halogen atom X increases, the strength of the tetrel bond also increases, but as the electronegativity of the halogen atom Y increases, the strength of the tetrel bond decreases. The magnitude of the interaction energy in most -CF3 complexes was found to be less than 10 kcal/mol, but to exceed 11 kcal/mol for PhClF2Cl(CF3)⋯NCNa. The tetrel bond is greatly enhanced when the -SiF3 group interacts with LiCN or NaCN, with the largest interaction energy approaching 100 kcal/mol and displaying a covalent Si⋯N interaction. Along with this enhancement, the Si⋯N distance was found to be less than the X-Si bond length, the -SiF3 group to be closer to the N atom, and in most -SiF3 systems, the X-Si-F angle to be less than 90°; the -SiF3 group therefore undergoes inversion and complete transfer in some systems.

Static and Dynamical Quantum Studies of CX3-AlX2 and CSiX3-BX2 (X = F, Cl, Br) Complexes with Hydrocyanic Acid: Unusual Behavior of Strong π-Hole at Triel Center

The set of TX₃-TrX₂ (T = C, Si, Ge; Tr = B, Al, Ga; X = F, Cl, Br) molecules offers a rather unique opportunity to study both σ-hole and π-hole dimerization on the tetrel and triel ends, respectively. According to the molecular electrostatic potential (MEP) distribution, the π-hole extrema (acidic sites) were more intense than their σ-hole counterparts. The molecules owning the most (CX₃-AlX₂) and least (SiX₃-BX₂) intense π-holes were chosen to evaluate their capacities to attract one and two HCN molecules (Lewis bases). We discovered that the energetic characteristics of π-hole dimers severely conflict with the monomers MEP pattern since the weakest π-hole monomer forms a dimer characterized by interaction energy compared to those created by the monomers with noticeably greater power in the π-hole region. This outcome is due to the deformation of the weakest π-hole donor. Furthermore, the MEP analysis for monomers in the geometry of respective dimers revealed a "residual π-hole" site that was able to drive second ligand attachment, giving rise to the two "unusual trimers" examined further by the NCI and QTAIM analyses. Apart from them, the π-hole/π-hole and σ-hole/π-hole trimers have also been obtained throughout this study and described using energetic and geometric parameters. The SAPT approach revealed details of the bonding in one of the "unusual trimers". Finally, Born-Oppenheimer Molecular Dynamics (BOMD) simulations were carried out to investigate the time evolution of the interatomic distances of the studied complexes as well as their stability.

Substituent Effects in Tetrel Bonds Involving Aromatic Silane Derivatives: An ab initio Study

In this manuscript substituent effects in several silicon tetrel bonding (TtB) complexes were investigated at the RI-MP2/def2-TZVP level of theory. Particularly, we have analysed how the interaction energy is influenced by the electronic nature of the substituent in both donor and acceptor moieties. To achieve that, several tetrafluorophenyl silane derivatives have been substituted at the meta and para positions by several electron donating and electron withdrawing groups (EDG and EWG, respectively), such as -NH₂, -OCH₃, -CH₃, -H, -CF₃ and -CN substituents. As electron donor molecules, we have used a series of hydrogen cyanide derivatives using the same EDGs and EWGs. We have obtained the Hammett's plots for different combinations of donors and acceptors and in all cases we have obtained good regression plots (interaction energies vs. Hammet's σ parameter). In addition, we have used the electrostatic potential (ESP) surface analysis as well as the Bader's theory of atoms in molecules (AIM) and noncovalent interaction plot (NCI plot) techniques to further characterize the TtBs studied herein. Finally, a Cambridge Structural Database (CSD) inspection was carried out, retrieving several structures where halogenated aromatic silanes participate in tetrel bonding interactions, being an additional stabilization force of their supramolecular architectures.

Can We Merge the Weak and Strong Tetrel Bonds? Electronic Features of Tetrahedral Molecules Interacted with Halide Anions

Using the orbital-free quantum crystallography approach, we have disclosed the quantitative trends in electronic features for bonds of different strengths formed by tetrel (Tt) atoms in stable molecular complexes consisting of electrically neutral tetrahedral molecules and halide anions. We have revealed the role of the electrostatic and exchange-correlation components of the total one-electron static potential that are determined by the equilibrium atomic structure and by kinetic Pauli potential, which reflects the spin-dependent electron motion features of the weak and strong bonds. The gap between the extreme positions in the electrostatic and total static potentials along the line linking the Tt atom and halide anion is wide for weak bonds and narrow for strong ones. It is in very good agreement with the number of minima in the Pauli potential between the bounded atoms. This gap exponentially correlates with the exchange-correlation potential in various series with a fixed nucleophilic fragment. A criterion for categorizing the noncovalent tetrel bonds (TtB) based on the potential features is suggested.

Maximal occupation by bases of π-hole bands surrounding linear molecules

Linear molecules such as CO₂ contain a positive π-hole ring that surrounds C on the molecule's equator. Quantum calculations examine the question as to how many bases can simultaneously bind to this ring. Linear molecules examined are TO₂ , where T = C, Si, Ge, Sn; bases are NCH and NH₃ . CO₂ engages in the weakest of the tetrel bonds, and can bind up to three NCH and two NH₃ . Unlike σ-hole tetrel bonds, Si forms the strongest tetrel bonds, with interaction energies as high as 43 kcal/mol with NH₃ . But like GeO₂ , SiO₂ can sustain only two bases in its equatorial ring. The π-hole ring of SnO₂ can engage in up to four tetrel bonds with either NCH or NH₃ , even though these bonds are weaker than those with GeO₂ or SiO₂ . As all of these complexes cast TO₂ in the role of multiple electron acceptor, the resulting negative cooperativity makes each successive bond weaker than its predecessor as bases are added, as well as reducing the magnitude of the central molecule's π-hole.

Enhancement of the Tetrel Bond by the Effects of Substituents, Cooperativity, and Electric Field: Transition from Noncovalent to Covalent Bond

The T⋅⋅⋅N tetrel bond (TB) formed between TX₃ OH (T=C, Si, Ge; X=H, F) and the Lewis base N≡CM (M=H, Li, Na) is studied by ab initio calculations at the MP2/aug-cc-pVTZ level. Complexes involving TH₃ OH contain a conventional TB with interaction energy less than 10 kcal/mol. This bond is substantially strengthened, approaching 35 kcal/mol and covalent character, when fluorosubstituted TF₃ OH is combined with NCLi or NCNa. Along with this enhanced binding comes a near equalization of the TB T⋅⋅⋅N and the internal T-O bond lengths, and the associated structure acquires a trigonal bipyramidal shape, despite a high internal deformation energy. This structural transformation becomes more complete, and the TB is further strengthened upon adding an electron acceptor BeCl₂ to the Lewis acid and a base to the NCM unit. This same TB strengthening can be accomplished also by imposition of an external electric field.

Comparison for Electron Donor Capability of Carbon-Bound Halogens in Tetrel Bonds

The tetrel bond formed by HC≡CX, H₂C=CHX, and H₃CCH₂X (X=F, Cl, Br, I) as an electron donor and TH₃F (T=C, Si, Ge) was explored by ab initio calculations. The tetrel bond formed by H₃CCH₂X is the strongest, as high as -3.45 kcal/mol for the H₃CCH₂F···GeH₃F dimer, followed by H₂C=CHX, and the weakest bond is from HC≡CX, where the tetrel bond can be as small as -0.8 kcal/mol. The strength of the tetrel bond increases in the order of C < Si < Ge. For the H₃CCH₂X and HC≡CX complexes, the tetrel bond strength shows a similar increasing tendency with the decrease of the electronegativity of the halogen atom. Electrostatic interaction plays the largest role in the stronger tetrel bonds, while dispersion interaction makes an important contribution to the H₂C=CHX complexes.

Effect of External Electric Field on Tetrel Bonding Interactions in (FTF3···FH) Complexes (T = C, Si, Ge, and Sn)

A quantum chemical study was accomplished on the σ-hole interactions of the barely explored group IV elements, for the first time, in the absence and presence of the positively and negatively directed external electric field (EEF). The analyses of molecular electrostatic potential addressed the occurrence of the σ-hole on all the inspected tetrel atoms, confirming their salient versatility to engage in σ-hole interactions. MP2 energetic findings disclosed the occurrence of favorable σ-hole interactions within the tetrel bonding complexes. The tetrel bonding interactions became stronger in the order of C < Si < Ge < Sn for F-T-F3···FH complexes with the largest interaction energy amounting to -19.43 kcal/mol for the optimized F-Sn-F3···FH complex under the influence of +0.020 au EEF. The interaction energy conspicuously evolved by boosting the magnitude of the positively directed EEF value and declining the negatively directed EEF one. The decomposition analysis for the interaction energies was also executed in terms of symmetry-adapted perturbation theory, illuminating the dominant electrostatic contribution to all the studied complexes' interactions except carbon-based interactions controlled by dispersion forces. The outcomes that emerged from the current work reported significantly how the direction and strength of the EEF affect the tetrel-bonding interactions, leading to further improvements in the forthcoming studies of supramolecular chemistry and materials science.

Dissection of the Origin of π-Holes and the Noncovalent Bonds in Which They Engage

Accompanying the rapidly growing list of σ-hole bonds has come the acknowledgment of parallel sorts of noncovalent bonds which owe their stability in large part to a deficiency of electron density in the area above the molecular plane, known as a π-hole. The origins of these π-holes are probed for a wide series of molecules, comprising halogen, chalcogen, pnicogen, tetrel, aerogen, and spodium bonds. Much like in the case of their σ-hole counterparts, formation of the internal covalent π-bond in the Lewis acid molecule pulls density toward the bond midpoint and away from its extremities. This depletion of density above the central atom is amplified by an electron-withdrawing substituent. At the same time, the amplitude of the π*-orbital is enhanced in the region of the density-depleted π-hole, facilitating a better overlap with the nucleophile's lone pair orbital and a stabilizing n → π* charge transfer. The presence of lone pairs on the central atom acts to attenuate the π-hole and shift its position somewhat, resulting in an overall weakening of the π-hole bond. There is a tendency for π-hole bonds to include a higher fraction of induction energy than σ-bonds with proportionately smaller electrostatic and dispersion components, but this distinction is less a product of the σ- or π-character and more a function of the overall bond strength.

Theoretical study on the noncovalent interactions involving triplet diphenylcarbene

The properties of some types of noncovalent interactions formed by triplet diphenylcarbene (DPC³) have been investigated by means of density functional theory (DFT) calculations and quantum theory of atoms in molecule (QTAIM) studies. The DPC³···LA (LA = AlF₃, SiF₄, PF₅, SF₂, ClF) complexes have been analyzed from their equilibrium geometries, binding energies, and properties of electron density. The triel bond in the DPC³···AlF₃ complex exhibits a partially covalent nature, with the binding energy - 65.7 kJ/mol. The tetrel bond, pnicogen bond, chalcogen bond, and halogen bond in the DPC³···LA (LA = SiF₄, PF₅, SF₂, ClF) complexes show the character of a weak closed-shell noncovalent interaction. Polarization plays an important role in the formation of the studied complexes. The strength of intermolecular interaction decreases in the order LA = AlF₃ > ClF > SF₂ > SiF₄ > PF₅. The electron spin density transfers from the radical DPC³ to ClF and SF₂ in the formation of halogen bond and chalcogen bond, but for the DPC³···AlF₃/SiF₄/PF₅ complexes, the transfer of electron spin density is minimal.

Competition between Inter and Intramolecular Tetrel Bonds: Theoretical Studies Complemented by CSD Survey

Crystal structures document the ability of a TF₃ group (T=Si, Ge, Sn, Pb) situated on a naphthalene system to engage in an intramolecular tetrel bond (TB) with an amino group on the adjoining ring. Ab initio calculations evaluate the strength of this bond and evaluate whether it can influence the ability of the T atom to engage in a second, intermolecular TB with another nucleophile. A very strong CN^- anionic base can approach the T either along the extension of a T-C or T-F bond and form a strong TB with an interaction energy approaching 100 kcal/mol, although this bond is weakened a bit by the presence of the internal T⋅⋅⋅N bond. The much less potent NCH base engages in a correspondingly longer and weaker TB, less than 10 kcal/mol. Such an intermolecular TB is weakened by the presence of the internal TB, to the point that it only occurs for the two heavier tetrel atoms Sn and Pb.

Noncovalent bond between tetrel π-hole and hydride

The π-hole above the plane of the X2T'Y molecule (T' = Si, Ge, Sn; X = F, Cl, H; Y = O, S) was allowed to interact with the TH hydride of TH(CH3)3 (T = Si, Ge, Sn). The resulting THT' tetrel bond is quite strong, with interaction energies exceeding 30 kcal mol-1. F2T'O engages in the strongest such bonds, as compared to F2T'S, Cl2T'O, or Cl2T'S. The bond weakens as T' grows larger as in Si > Ge > Sn, despite the opposite trend in the depth of the π-hole. The reverse pattern of stronger tetrel bond with larger T is observed for the Lewis base TH(CH3)3, even though the minimum in the electrostatic potential around the H is nearly independent of T. The THT' arrangement is nonlinear which can be understood on the basis of the positions of the extrema in the molecular electrostatic potentials of the monomers. The tetrel bond is weakened when H2O forms an OT' tetrel bond with the second π-hole of F2T'O, and strengthened if H2O participates in an OHO H-bond.

Relative Strengths of a Pnicogen and a Tetrel Bond and Their Mutual Effects upon One Another

The ability of the T and Z atoms of TR₃ZR₂ to engage in a noncovalent interaction with NH₃ is assessed by DFT calculations, where the T atom refers to C, Si, and Ge; Z = As, Sb, and P; and substituents R = H and F. In most instances, the tetrel bond (TB) is both stronger and shorter than the pnicogen bond (ZB). These two bond strengths can be equalized, or preference shifted to the ZB, if F substituents are placed on the Z and H on the T atoms. Employing C as the T atom results in a very weak TB, with the ZB clearly favored energetically. The simultaneous formation of both TB and ZB weakens both, particularly the latter, but both bonds survive intact. Geometric and spectroscopic perturbations of the subunits reflect the two types of noncovalent bonds.

Origins and properties of the tetrel bond

The tetrel bond (TB) recruits an element drawn from the C, Si, Ge, Sn, Pb family as electron acceptor in an interaction with a partner Lewis base. The underlying principles that explain this attractive interaction are described in terms of occupied and vacant orbitals, total electron density, and electrostatic potential. These principles facilitate a delineation of the factors that feed into a strong TB. The geometric deformation that occurs within the tetrel-bearing Lewis acid monomer is a particularly important issue, with both primary and secondary effects. As a first-row atom of low polarizability, C is a reluctant participant in TBs, but its preponderance in organic and biochemistry make it extremely important that its potential in this regard be thoroughly understood. The IR and NMR manifestations of tetrel bonding are explored as spectroscopy offers a bridge to experimental examination of this phenomenon. In addition to the most common σ-hole type TBs, discussion is provided of π-hole interactions which are a result of a common alternate covalent bonding pattern of tetrel atoms.

Towards developing a criterion to characterize non-covalent bonds: a quantum mechanical study

Chemical bonds are central to chemistry, biology, and allied fields, but still, the criterion to characterize an interaction as a non-covalent bond has not been studied rigorously.

Carbon (sp3) tetrel bonding mediated BODIPY supramolecular assembly via unprecedented synergy of Csp3⋯N and Csp3⋯F pair interactions

Here, we present the first example of sp³ hybridized carbon centered (C_sp3) tetrel bonding mediated 3D BODIPY assembly via the exceptional synergy of C_sp3⋯N and C_sp3⋯F pair interactions.

Pnictogen-bonding catalysis: brevetoxin-type polyether cyclizations

This study marks chemical space available for pnictogen-bonding catalysis, and demonstrates that reactivity accessible in this space is unique.

Pnictogen-bond donors are attractive for use in catalysis because of deep σ holes, high multivalency, rich hypervalency, and chiral binding pockets. We here report natural product inspired epoxide-opening polyether cyclizations catalyzed by fluoroarylated Sb(v) > Sb(iii) > Bi > Sn > Ge. The distinctive characteristic found for pnictogen-bonding catalysis is the breaking of the Baldwin rules, that is selective endo cyclization into the trans-fused ladder oligomers known from the brevetoxins. Moreover, tris(3,4,5-trifluorophenyl)stibines and their hypervalent stiborane catecholates afford different anti-Baldwin stereoselectivity. Lewis (SbCl₃), Brønsted (AcOH) and π acids fail to provide similar access to these forbidden rings. Like hydrogen-bonding catalysis differs from Brønsted acid catalysis, pnictogen-bonding catalysis thus emerges as the supramolecular counterpart of covalent Lewis acid catalysis.

The ditetrel bond: noncovalent bond between neutral tetrel atoms

The ability of a tetrel atom to serve in the capacity of electron donor in a σ-hole noncovalent bond is tested by quantum calculations.

C-H and C-F Bond Activation Reactions of Fluorinated Propenes at Rhodium: Distinctive Reactivity of the Refrigerant HFO-1234yf

The reaction of [Rh(H)(PEt₃ )₃ ] (1) with the refrigerant HFO-1234yf (2,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene) affords an efficient route to obtain [Rh(F)(PEt₃ )₃ ] (3) by C-F bond activation. Catalytic hydrodefluorinations were achieved in the presence of the silane HSiPh₃ . In the presence of a fluorosilane, 3 provides a C-H bond activation followed by a 1,2-fluorine shift to produce [Rh{(E)-C(CF₃ )=CHF}(PEt₃ )₃ ] (4). Similar rearrangements of HFO-1234yf were observed at [Rh(E)(PEt₃ )₃ ] [E=Bpin (6), C₇ D₇ (8), Me (9)]. The ability to favor C-H bond activation using 3 and fluorosilane is also demonstrated with 3,3,3-trifluoropropene. Studies are supported by DFT calculations.

On the ability of pnicogen atoms to engage in both σ and π-hole complexes. Heterodimers of ZF2C6H5 (Z = P, As, Sb, Bi) and NH3

When bound to a pair of F atoms and a phenyl ring, a pyramidal pnicogen (Z) atom can form a pnicogen bond wherein an NH₃ base lies opposite one F atom. In addition to this σ-hole complex, the ZF₂C₆H₅ molecule can distort in such a way that the NH₃ approaches on the opposite side to the lone pair on Z, where there is a so-called π-hole. The interaction energies of these π-hole dimers are roughly 30 kcal/mol, much larger than the equivalent quantities for the σ-hole complexes, which are only 4-13 kcal/mol. On the other hand, this large interaction energy is countered by the considerable deformation energy required for the Lewis acid to adopt the geometry necessary to form the π-hole complex. The overall energetics of the complexation reaction are thus more exothermic for the σ-hole dimers than for the π-hole dimers.

Identification of the Tetrel Bonds between Halide Anions and Carbon Atom of Methyl Groups Using Electronic Criterion

The consideration of the disposition of minima of electron density and electrostatic potential along the line between non-covalently bound atoms in systems with Hal-···CH₃⁻Y (Hal- = Cl, Br; Y = N, O) fragments allowed to prove that the carbon atom in methyl group serves as an electrophilic site provider. These interactions between halide anion and carbon in methyl group can be categorized as the typical tetrel bonds. Statistics of geometrical parameters for such tetrel bonds in CSD is analyzed. It is established that the binding energy in molecular complexes with tetrel bonds correlate with the potential acting on an electron in molecule (PAEM). The PAEM barriers for tetrel bonds show a similar behavior for both sets of complexes with Br- and Cl- electron donors.

Dual Geometry Schemes in Tetrel Bonds: Complexes between TF₄ (T = Si, Ge, Sn) and Pyridine Derivatives

When an N-base approaches the tetrel atom of TF₄ (T = Si, Ge, Sn) the latter molecule deforms from a tetrahedral structure in the monomer to a trigonal bipyramid. The base can situate itself at either an axial or equatorial position, leading to two different equilibrium geometries. The interaction energies are considerably larger for the equatorial structures, up around 50 kcal/mol, which also have a shorter R(T··N) separation. On the other hand, the energy needed to deform the tetrahedral monomer into the equatorial structure is much higher than the equivalent deformation energy in the axial dimer. When these two opposite trends are combined, it is the axial geometry which is somewhat more stable than the equatorial, yielding binding energies in the 8–34 kcal/mol range. There is a clear trend of increasing interaction energy as the tetrel atom grows larger: Si < Ge < Sn, a pattern which is accentuated for the binding energies.

Influence of monomer deformation on the competition between two types of σ-holes in tetrel bonds

Competition between two competing sites on a tetrel atom is explained by balance between structural deformation and σ-hole intensity.

Calculation of VS,max and Its Use as a Descriptor for the Theoretical Calculation of pKa Values for Carboxylic Acids

The theoretical calculation of pKa values for Brønsted acids is a challenging task that involves sophisticated and time-consuming methods. Therefore, heuristic approaches are efficient and appealing methodologies to approximate these values. Herein, we used the maximum surface electrostatic potential (V_S,max) on the acidic hydrogen atoms of carboxylic acids to describe the H-bond interaction with water (the same descriptor that is used to characterize σ-bonded complexes) and correlate the results with experimental pKa values to obtain a predictive model for other carboxylic acids. We benchmarked six different methods, all including an implicit solvation model (water): Five density functionals and the Møller–Plesset second order perturbation theory in combination with six different basis sets for a total of thirty-six levels of theory. The ωB97X-D/cc-pVDZ level of theory stood out as the best one for consistently reproducing the reported pKa values, with a predictive power of 98% correlation in a test set of ten other carboxylic acids.

Crystallographic and Computational Characterization of Methyl Tetrel Bonding in S-Adenosylmethionine-Dependent Methyltransferases

Tetrel bonds represent a category of non-bonding interaction wherein an electronegative atom donates a lone pair of electrons into the sigma antibonding orbital of an atom in the carbon group of the periodic table. Prior computational studies have implicated tetrel bonding in the stabilization of a preliminary state that precedes the transition state in S_N2 reactions, including methyl transfer. Notably, the angles between the tetrel bond donor and acceptor atoms coincide with the prerequisite geometry for the S_N2 reaction. Prompted by these findings, we surveyed crystal structures of methyltransferases in the Protein Data Bank and discovered multiple instances of carbon tetrel bonding between the methyl group of the substrate S-adenosylmethionine (AdoMet) and electronegative atoms of small molecule inhibitors, ions, and solvent molecules. The majority of these interactions involve oxygen atoms as the Lewis base, with the exception of one structure in which a chlorine atom of an inhibitor functions as the electron donor. Quantum mechanical analyses of a representative subset of the methyltransferase structures from the survey revealed that the calculated interaction energies and spectral properties are consistent with the values for bona fide carbon tetrel bonds. The discovery of methyl tetrel bonding offers new insights into the mechanism underlying the S_N2 reaction catalyzed by AdoMet-dependent methyltransferases. These findings highlight the potential of exploiting these interactions in developing new methyltransferase inhibitors.

Quantitative Assessment of Tetrel Bonding Utilizing Vibrational Spectroscopy

A set of 35 representative neutral and charged tetrel complexes was investigated with the objective of finding the factors that influence the strength of tetrel bonding involving single bonded C, Si, and Ge donors and double bonded C or Si donors. For the first time, we introduced an intrinsic bond strength measure for tetrel bonding, derived from calculated vibrational spectroscopy data obtained at the CCSD(T)/aug-cc-pVTZ level of theory and used this measure to rationalize and order the tetrel bonds. Our study revealed that the strength of tetrel bonds is affected by several factors, such as the magnitude of the σ-hole in the tetrel atom, the negative electrostatic potential at the lone pair of the tetrel-acceptor, the positive charge at the peripheral hydrogen of the tetrel-donor, the exchange-repulsion between the lone pair orbitals of the peripheral atoms of the tetrel-donor and the heteroatom of the tetrel-acceptor, and the stabilization brought about by electron delocalization. Thus, focusing on just one or two of these factors, in particular, the σ-hole description can only lead to an incomplete picture. Tetrel bonding covers a range of -1.4 to -26 kcal/mol, which can be strengthened by substituting the peripheral ligands with electron-withdrawing substituents and by positively charged tetrel-donors or negatively charged tetrel-acceptors.

Comparison between Tetrel Bonded Complexes Stabilized by σ and π Hole Interactions

The σ-hole tetrel bonds formed by a tetravalent molecule are compared with those involving a π-hole above the tetrel atom in a trivalent bonding situation. The former are modeled by TH₄, TH₃F, and TH₂F₂ (T = Si, Ge, Sn) and the latter by TH₂=CH₂, THF=CH₂, and TF₂=CH₂, all paired with NH₃ as Lewis base. The latter π-bonded complexes are considerably more strongly bound, despite the near equivalence of the σ and π-hole intensities. The larger binding energies of the π-dimers are attributed to greater electrostatic attraction and orbital interaction. Each progressive replacement of H by F increases the strength of the tetrel bond, whether σ or π. The magnitudes of the maxima of the molecular electrostatic potential in the two types of systems are not good indicators of either the interaction energy or even the full Coulombic energy. The geometry of the Lewis acid is significantly distorted by the formation of the dimer, more so in the case of the σ-bonded complexes, and this deformation intensifies the σ and π holes.

Tetrel Bonds with π-Electrons Acting as Lewis Bases-Theoretical Results and Experimental Evidences

MP2/aug-cc-pVTZ calculations were carried out for the ZFH₃-B complexes (Z = C, Si, Ge, Sn and Pb; B = C₂H₂, C₂H₄, C₆H₆ and C₅H₅⁻; relativistic effects were taken into account for Ge, Sn and Pb elements). These calculations are supported by other approaches; the decomposition of the energy of interaction, Quantum Theory of Atoms in Molecules (QTAIM) and Natural Bond Orbital (NBO) method. The results show that tetrel bonds with π-electrons as Lewis bases are classified as Z···C links between single centers (C is an atom of the π-electron system) or as Z···π interactions where F‒Z bond is directed to the mid-point (or nearly so) of the CC bond of the Lewis base. The analogous systems with Z···C/π interactions were found in the Cambridge Structural Database (CSD). It was found that the strength of interaction increases with the increase of the atomic number of the tetrel element and that for heavier tetrel elements the ZFH₃ tetrahedral structure is more deformed towards the structure with the planar ZH₃ fragment. The results of calculations show that the tetrel bond is sometimes accompanied by the Z-H···C hydrogen bond or even sometimes the ZFH₃-B complexes are linked only by the hydrogen bond interaction.

Tetrel Bonding as a Vehicle for Strong and Selective Anion Binding

Tetrel atoms T (T = Si, Ge, Sn, and Pb) can engage in very strong noncovalent interactions with nucleophiles, which are commonly referred to as tetrel bonds. The ability of such bonds to bind various anions is assessed with a goal of designing an optimal receptor. The Sn atom seems to form the strongest bonds within the tetrel family. It is most effective in the context of a -SnF₃ group and a further enhancement is observed when a positive charge is placed on the receptor. Connection of the -SnF₃ group to either an imidazolium or triazolium provides a strong halide receptor, which can be improved if its point of attachment is changed from the C to an N atom of either ring. Aromaticity of the ring offers no advantage nor is a cyclic system superior to a simple alkyl amine of any chain length. Placing a pair of -SnF₃ groups on a single molecule to form a bipodal dicationic receptor with two tetrel bonds enhances the binding, but falls short of a simple doubling. These two tetrel groups can be placed on opposite ends of an alkyl diamine chain of any length although SnF₃⁺NH₂(CH₂)nNH₂SnF₃⁺ with n between 2 and 4 seems to offer the strongest halide binding. Of the various anions tested, OH− binds most strongly: OH− > F− > Cl− > Br− > I−. The binding energy of the larger NO₃− and HCO₃− anions is more dependent upon the charge of the receptor. This pattern translates into very strong selectivity of binding one anion over another. The tetrel-bonding receptors bind far more strongly to each anion than an equivalent number of K⁺ counterions, which leads to equilibrium ratios in favor of the former of many orders of magnitude.