Nanotube formation favored by chalcogen-chalcogen interactions

Regulating Planarized Intramolecular Charge Transfer for Efficient Single-Phase White-Light Emission in Undoped Metal-Organic Framework Nanocrystals

The technology of combining multiple emission centers to exploit white-light-emitting (WLE) materials by taking advantage of porous metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) is mature, but preparing undoped WLE MOFs remains a challenge. Herein, a pressure-treated strategy is reported to achieve efficient white photoluminescence (PL) in undoped [Zn(Tdc)(py)]n nanocrystals (NCs) at ambient conditions, where the Commission International del'Eclairage coordinates and color temperature reach (0.31, 0.37) and 6560 K, respectively. The initial [Zn(Tdc)(py)]n NCs exhibit weak-blue PL consisting of localized excited (LE) and planarized intramolecular charge transfer (PLICT) states. After pressure treatment, the emission contributions of LE and PLICT states are balanced by increasing the planarization of subunits, thereby producing white PL. Meanwhile, the reduction of nonradiative decay triggered by the planarized structure results in 5-fold PL enhancement. Phosphor-converted light-emitting diodes based on pressure-treated samples show favorable white-light characteristics. The finding provides a new platform for the development of undoped WLE MOFs.

Exploring the Te(II)/Te(IV) Redox Couple of a Tellurorosamine Chromophore: Photophysical, Photochemical, and Electrochemical Studies

A tellurorosamine dye [Te(II)] undergoes aerobic photooxidation. Although Te(IV) species have been used in a number of oxidations, key Te(IV)-oxo and Te(IV)-bis(hydroxy) intermediates are challenging to study. Under aerobic irradiation with visible light, Te(II) (λmax = 600 nm) transforms into a Te(IV) species (λmax = 669 nm). The resultant Te(IV) species is not stable in the dark or at -20 °C, decomposing back to Te(II) and other byproducts over many hours. To eliminate the structural ambiguity of the Te(IV) photoproduct, we used spectroelectrochemistry, wherein the bis(hydroxy) Te(IV)-(OH)2 was electrochemically generated under anaerobic conditions. The absorption of Te(IV)-(OH)2 matches that of the Te(IV) photoproduct. Because isosbestic points are maintained both photochemically and electrochemically, the oxo core formed photochemically must rapidly equilibrate with Te(IV)-(OH)2. Calculations on the bis(hydroxy) versus oxo species further corroborate that the equilibration is rapid and the spectra of the two species are similar. To further explore Te(IV) cores, two novel compounds, Te(IV)-Cl2 and Te(IV)-Br2, were synthesized. Characterization of Te(IV)-X2 was simplified because these cores have no analogue to the Te(IV)-(O)/Te(IV)-(OH)2 equilibrium. This work provides insights into the photophysical and electrochemical behavior of Te analogues of chalcogenoxanthylium dyes, which are relevant for a broad range of photochemical applications.

Elucidating the Binding Mode of Sulfur- and Selenium-Based Cationic Chalcogen-Bond Donors

For a comparison of the interaction modes of various chalcogen-bond donors, 2-chalcogeno-imidazolium salts have been designed, synthesized, and studied by single crystal X-ray diffraction, solution NMR and DFT as well as for their ability to act as activators in an SN1-type substitution reaction. Their interaction modes in solution were elucidated based on NMR diffusion and chemical shift perturbation experiments, which were supported by DFT-calculations. Our finding is that going from lighter to the heavier chalcogens, hydrogen bonding plays a less, while chalcogen bonding an increasingly important role for the coordination of anions. Anion-π interactions also show importance, especially for the sulfur and selenium derivatives.

Chalcogen bonding in the solid-state structures of 1,3-bis(benzimidazoliumyl)benzene-based chalcogen-bonding donors

1,3-Bis(benzimidazoliumyl)benzene-based chalcogen-bonding catalysts were previously successfully applied in different benchmark reactions. In one of those examples, i.e. the activation of quinolines, sulfur- and selenium-based chalcogen-bonding catalysts showed comparable properties, which is unexpected, as the selenium-containing catalysts should show superior catalytic properties due to the increased polarizability of selenium compared to sulfur. Herein, we present four crystal structures of the respective 1,3-bis(benzimidazoliumyl)benzene-based chalcogen-bonding catalyst containing sulfur (3^S) and selenium (3^Se, three forms) as Lewis acidic centres. The sulfur-containing catalyst shows weaker chalcogen bonding compared to its selenium analogue, as well as anion-π interactions. The selenium-based analogues, on the other hand, show stronger chalcogen-bonding motifs compared to the sulfur equivalent, depending on the crystallization conditions, but in every case, the intermolecular interactions are comparable in strength. Other interactions, such as hydrogen bonding and anion-π, were also observed, but in the latter case, the interaction distances are longer compared to those of the sulfur-based equivalent. The solid-state structures could not further explain the high catalytic activity of the sulfur-containing catalysts. Therefore, a comparison of their σ-hole depths from density functional theory (DFT) gas-phase calculations was performed, which are again in line with the previously found properties in the solid-state structures.

Probing the Directionality of S···O/N Chalcogen Bond and Its Interplay with Weak C-H···O/N/S Hydrogen Bond Using Molecular Electrostatic Potential

The directionality of the chalcogen bond (Ch-bond) formed by S and its interplay with other weak interactions have important chemical and biological implications. Here, dimers made of CH₃-S-X and O/N containing nucleophiles are studied and found to be stabilized by coexisting S···O/N and C-H···O/N interactions. Based on experimentally accessible electron density and molecular electrostatic potentials (MESPs), we showed that reciprocity between S···O/N and C-H···O/N interactions in the stability of cumulative molecular interaction (ΔE) was dependent on the strength of the σ-hole on S (V_s,max). Direct correlation between ΔE of dimers with V_s,max of S supports the electrostatic nature of the Ch-bond. Such interplay of the Ch-bond is necessary for its directionality in complex nucleophiles (carbonyl groups) with multiple electron-rich centers, which is explained using MESP. A correlation between the MESP minima in the π-region and the strength of the S-π interaction explains the directional selectivity of the Ch-bond.

Catalytic Activation of Imines by Chalcogen Bond Donors in a Povarov [4+2] Cycloaddition Reaction

Recently, chalcogen bonding has been investigated in more detail in organocatalysis and the scope of activated functionalities continues to increase. Herein, the activation of imines in a Povarov [4+2] cycloaddition reaction with bidentate cationic chalcogen bond donors is presented. Tellurium-based Lewis acids show superior properties compared to selenium-based catalysts and inactive sulfur-based analogues. The catalytic activity of the chalcogen bonding donors increases with weaker binding anions. Triflate, however, is not suitable due to its participation in the catalytic pathway. A solvent screening revealed a more efficient activation in less polar solvents and a pronounced effect of solvent (and catalyst) on endo : exo diastereomeric ratio. Finally, new chiral chalcogen bonding catalysts were applied but provided only racemic mixtures of the product.

Solid-State Assembly by Chelating Chalcogen Bonding in Quinodimethane Tetraesters Fused with a Chalcogenadiazole

In contrast to p-quinodimethane tetraesters, which undergo facile polymerization due to their diradical character, newly synthesized 1 and 2 consisting of a chalcogenadiazole fused to a p-naphthoquinodimethane tetraester are thermodynamically stable due to butterfly-shaped deformation. Such a folded molecular structure is also favorable for chalcogen bond (ChB) formation through intermolecular close contacts between a chalcogen atom (E: Se or S) and the oxygen atoms of ester groups in a crystal. The less-explored chelating-ChB through a C=O⋅⋅⋅E⋅⋅⋅O=C contact [Se⋅⋅⋅O: 2.94-3.37 Å] is the key supramolecular synthon for the formation of a one-dimensional rod-like assembly in a crystal, which is commonly observed in selenadiazole-tetraesters (1) with OMe, OEt, and OiPr groups. The formation of inclusion cavities between the rods shows that 1 could serve as solid-state host molecules for clathrate formation, as found in a hexane-solvated crystal. In contrast, thiadiazole-tetraesters (2) are less suitable for the formation of a rod-like assembly since the ChB involving S is less effective, and thus is overwhelmed by weak hydrogen bonds through C-H⋅⋅⋅O contacts.

Principles Guiding the Square Bonding Motif Containing a Pair of Chalcogen Bonds between Chalcogenadiazoles

The bonding motif adopted by a dimer of chalcogenadiazole molecules is characterized by a pair of equivalent Ch···N chalcogen bonds. Quantum calculations show that the interaction energy is substantial, varying between 4 kcal/mol for Ch = S and 17 kcal/mol for Te. The interaction is cooperative in that the total bond strength is greater than either chalcogen bond individually. Neither the addition of a phenyl ring nor the addition of a pair of cyano substituents to the diazole ring has much influence on this binding. Removal of one N from the diazole weakens the binding, and addition of two nitrogens has little effect. The largest perturbation arises with three N atoms in each ring, for which the binding energy increases by some 25%. The ring size plays a minor role in most cases, although a near doubling of bond strength occurs if there are two N atoms present on a four-membered ring.

Predictability of Chalcogen-Bond-Driven Crystal Engineering: An X-ray Diffraction and Selenium-77 Solid-State NMR Investigation of Benzylic Selenocyanate Cocrystals

We describe a series of new chalcogen-bonded cocrystals featuring 1,2-bis(selenocyanatomethyl)benzene (DSN) and 1,2,4,5-tetrakis(selenocyanatomethyl)-benzene (TSN) as the donor moieties and a variety of Lewis bases such as onium halides, N-oxides, and pyridine-containing heterocycles as the acceptors. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction demonstrates that, in every case, the selenocyanates consistently interact with the acceptor molecules through strong and directional Se···X chalcogen-bonds (ChBs) (X = halides, oxygen, and nitrogen). ⁷⁷Se solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy was applied to measure selenium chemical shift tensor magnitudes and to explore potential correlations between these tensor elements and the local ChB geometry. In every case, the isotropic ⁷⁷Se chemical shift decreases, and the chemical shift tensor span increases upon cocrystallization of DSN with the various ChB acceptors. This work contributes to a growing body of knowledge concerning the predictability and robustness of chalcogen bonds in crystal engineering as well as the NMR response to the establishment of chalcogen bonds. In particular, among the systems studied here, highly linear chalcogen bonds are formed exclusively at the stronger σ-hole of each and every selenium atom regardless of the size, charge, or denticity of the electron donor moiety.

Unusual chalcogen⋯chalcogen interactions in like⋯like and unlike YCY⋯YCY complexes (Y = O, S, and Se)

Chalcogen⋯chalcogen interactions were investigated within four types of like⋯like and unlike YCY⋯YCY complexes (where Y = O, S, or Se). A plethora of quantum mechanical calculations, including molecular electrostatic potential (MEP), surface electrostatic potential extrema, point-of-charge (PoC), quantum theory of atoms in molecules (QTAIM), noncovalent interaction (NCI), and symmetry-adapted perturbation theory-based energy decomposition analysis (SAPT-EDA) calculations, were executed. The energetic findings revealed a preferential tendency of the studied chalcogen-bearing molecules to engage in type I, II, III, or IV chalcogen⋯chalcogen interactions. Notably, the selenium-bearing molecules exhibited the most potent ability to favorably participate in all the explored chalcogen⋯chalcogen interactions. Among like⋯like complexes, type IV interactions showed the most favorable negative binding energies, whereas type III interactions exhibited the weakest binding energies. Unexpectedly, oxygen-containing complexes within type IV interactions showed an alien pattern of binding energies that decreased along with an increase in the chalcogen atomic size level. QTAIM analysis provided a solo BCP, via chalcogen⋯chalcogen interactions, with no clues as to any secondary ones. SAPT-EDA outlined the domination of the explored interactions by the dispersion forces and indicated the pivotal shares of the electrostatic forces, except type III σ-hole⋯σ-hole and di-σ-hole interactions. These observations demonstrate in better detail all the types of chalcogen⋯chalcogen interactions, providing persuasive reasons for their more intensive use in versatile fields related to materials science and drug design.

A disulfide-induced supra-amphiphilic co-assembly for glycosylated pro-drug-photosensitizer nanoparticles in combination therapies

We reported an intermolecular chalcogen bonding interaction (S⋯S contacts) induced supra-amphiphilic co-assembly strategy to construct glycosylated pro-drug-photosensitizer nanoparticles (BG-L NPs) in combination therapies.

Synthesis and absolute structure of (R)-2-(benzyl-selan-yl)-1-phenyl-ethanaminium hydrogen sulfate monohydrate: crystal structure and Hirshfeld surface analyses

A hydrogen sulfate salt, C15H18NSe+·HSO4 -·H2O or [BnSeCH2CH(Ph)NH3 +](HSO4 -), of a chiral selenated amine (R)-2-(benzyl-selan-yl)-1-phenyl-ethan-amine (BnSeCH2CH(Ph)NH2) has been synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis,1H and 13C{1H} NMR, FT-IR analysis, and single-crystal X-ray diffraction studies. The title salt crystallizes in the monohydrate form in the non-centrosymmetric monoclinic P21 space group. The cation is somewhat W shaped with the dihedral angle between the two aromatic rings being 60.9 (4)°. The carbon atom attached to the amine nitro-gen atom is chiral and in the R configuration, and, the -C-C- bond of the -CH2-CH- fragment has a staggered conformation. In the crystal structure, two HSO4 - anions and two water mol-ecules form an R 4 4(12) tetra-meric type of assembly comprised of alternating HSO4 - anions and water mol-ecules via discrete D(2) O-H⋯O hydrogen bonds. This tetra-meric assembly aggregates along the b-axis direction as an infinite one-dimensional tape. Adjacent tapes are inter-connected via discrete D(2) N-H⋯O hydrogen bonds between the three amino hydrogen atoms of the cation sandwiched between the two tapes and the three HSO4 - anions of the nearest asymmetric units, resulting in a complex two-dimensional sheet along the ab plane. The pendant arrangement of the cations is stabilized by C-H⋯π inter-actions between adjacent cations running as chains down the [010] axis. Secondary Se⋯O [3.1474 (4) Å] inter-actions are also observed in the crystal structure. A Hirshfeld surface analysis, including d norm, shape-index and fingerprint plots of the cation, anion and solvent mol-ecule, was carried out to confirm the presence of various inter-actions in the crystal structure.

Synthesis, Mechanism Elucidation and Biological Insights of Tellurium(IV)-Containing Heterocycles

Inspired by the synthetic and biological potential of organotellurium substances, a series of five- and six-membered ring organotelluranes containing a Te-O bond were synthesized and characterized. Theoretical calculations elucidated the mechanism for the oxidation-cyclization processes involved in the formation of the heterocycles, consistent with chlorine transfer to hydroxy telluride, followed by a cyclization step with simultaneous formation of the new Te-O bond and deprotonation of the OH group. Moreover, theoretical calculations also indicated anti-diastereoisomers to be major products for two chirality center-containing compounds. Antileishmanial assays against Leishmania amazonensis promastigotes disclosed 1,2λ⁴ -oxatellurane LQ50 (IC₅₀ =4.1±1.0; SI=12), 1,2λ⁴ -oxatellurolane LQ04 (IC₅₀ =7.0±1.3; SI=7) and 1,2λ⁴ -benzoxatellurole LQ56 (IC₅₀ =5.7±0.3; SI=6) as more powerful and more selective compounds than the reference, being up to four times more active. A stability study supported by ¹²⁵ Te NMR analyses showed that these heterocycles do not suffer structural modifications in aqueous-organic media or at temperatures up to 65 °C.

Chalcogen Bonding in Co-Crystals: Activation through 1,4-Perfluorophenylene vs. 4,4'-Perfluorobiphenylene Cores

The ability of alkylseleno/alkyltelluroacetylenes such as bis(selenomethylethynyl)-perfluorobenzene (4F-Se) to act as a ditopic chalcogen bond (ChB) donor in co-crystals with ditopic Lewis bases such as 4,4′-bipyridine is extended here to the octafluorobiphenylene analog, 4,4′-bis(selenomethylethynyl)-perfluorobiphenyl (8F-Se), with the more electron-rich 4,4′-bipyridylethane (bpe), showing in the 1:1 (8F-Se)•(bpe) co-crystal a shorter and more linear C−Se•••N ChB interaction than in (4F-Se)•(bpe), with Se•••N distances down to 2.958(2) Å at 150 K, i.e., a reduction ratio of 0.85 vs. the van der Waals contact distance.

Chalcogen vs Halogen Bonding Catalysis in a Water-Bridge-Cocatalyzed Nitro-Michael Reaction

Recently, a tellurium-based chalcogen-bond-catalyzed nitro-Michael reaction was reported ( Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 2019, 58, 16923), taking advantage of the strong Lewis acidity of the catalyst. This species was found to be more effective than an analogous iodine-based halogen bond organocatalyst. Herein, we present a detailed mechanistic and kinetic analysis of these catalytic cycles including the influence of the solvent (and the performance of different intrinsic solvation models). While the chalcogen bonding interaction is fundamental to activate the C-C bond formation, we found that the presence of a two-water molecular bridge is critical to allow the following, otherwise high-energy proton transfer step. Even though the iodine-based halogen bonding interaction is stronger than the tellurium-based chalcogen bonding one, which makes the former a stronger Lewis acid and hence in principle a more efficient catalyst, solvation effects explain the smaller energy span of the latter.

Triangular Interchalcogen Interactions: A Joint Crystallographic Data Analysis and Theoretical Study

Noncovalent chalcogen-chalcogen interactions are being actively investigated from both crystallographic and theoretical viewpoints in recent years. According to our search of the Cambridge Structural Database (CSD), a huge number of crystal structures containing triangular Ch₃ synthons were extracted. On the basis of the results of the CSD survey, a series of trimeric complexes of organic divalent chalcogen molecules were selected to model such interaction motifs. Similar to that in conventional chalcogen bonds, triangular interchalcogen interactions become gradually stronger along the sequence of Ch = S, Se, Te. Particularly, hydrogen bonds between the chalcogen centers and the H atoms in the substituents occur, which play a significant role in stabilizing the Ch₃ motifs in the trimers. Through multibody energy calculations, the complexes under study exhibit no or only weak cooperativity. Finally, the differences between the Ch₃ interaction motifs and the well-studied windmill X₃ bonding (X means halogen and this is halogen bond) patterns were elucidated.

Supramolecular rectangles through directional chalcogen bonding

Supramolecular rectangles are built from the 2+2 chalcogen bonding-based (ChB) association of 1,8-bis(telluromethylethynyl)-anthracene (BTMEA) and ditopic Lewis bases such as 4,4'-bipyridyl-ethane and analogs, demonstrating the strength and directionality of the ChB interaction in such alkynyl-telluroalkyl derivatives.

Substituent-Controlled Tailoring of Chalcogen-Bonded Supramolecular Nanoribbons in the Solid State

In this work, we design and synthesize supramolecular 2,5-substituted chalcogenazolo[5,4-β]pyridine (CGP) synthons arranging in supramolecular ribbons at the solid state. A careful choice of the combination of substituents at the 2- and 5-positions on the CGP scaffold is outlined to accomplish supramolecular materials by means of multiple hybrid interactions, comprising both chalcogen and hydrogen bonds. Depending on the steric and electronic properties of the substituents, different solid-state arrangements have been achieved. Among the different moieties on the 5-position, an oxazole unit has been incorporated on the Se- and Te-congeners by Pd-catalyzed cross-coupling reaction and a supramolecular ribbon-like organization was consistently obtained at the solid state.

Participation of S and Se in hydrogen and chalcogen bonds

The heavier chalcogen atoms S, Se, and Te can each participate in a range of different noncovalent interactions. They can serve as both proton donor and acceptor in H-bonds. Each atom can also act as electron acceptor in a chalcogen bond.

A theoretical insight into the formation of chalcogen bonding (ChB) interactions involving coordinated DMSO molecules as σ-hole donors and benzoate groups as σ-hole acceptors in a dinuclear copper(ii) complex

The formation of two chalcogen bonding (ChB) interactions involving coordinated DMSO molecules as σ-hole donors and the O atoms of carboxylate groups as acceptors in a dimeric copper(ii) complex has been described.

Chemistry Evolves, Terms Evolve, but Phenomena Do Not Evolve: From Chalcogen-Chalcogen Interactions to Chalcogen Bonding

Chalcogen bonding is important in numerous aspects of chemistry, both in the solid state and in solution. Surveying the literature, it becomes clear that during its rebranding from chalcogen-chalcogen interactions, some parts of the community have somewhat neglected to recall its discovery and the initial studies referring to it in its previous guise. In this Viewpoint, we trace the path of research into this phenomenon, from its discovery, through its renaming, and to some of the varied and interesting chemistry it has led to so far, ranging from crystal engineering through supramolecular assembly to modern catalysis.

Chalcogen-Bonding Interactions in Telluroether Heterocycles [Te(CH2 )m ]n (n=1-4; m=3-7)

The Te⋅⋅⋅Te secondary bonding interactions (SBIs) in solid cyclic telluroethers were explored by preparing and structurally characterizing a series of [Te(CH2 )m ]n (n=1-4; m=3-7) species. The SBIs in 1,7-Te2 (CH2 )10 , 1,8-Te2 (CH2 )12 , 1,5,9-Te3 (CH2 )9 , 1,8,15-Te3 (CH2 )18 , 1,7,13,19-Te4 (CH2 )20 , 1,8,15,22-Te4 (CH2 )24 and 1,9,17,25-Te4 (CH2 )28 lead to tubular packing of the molecules, as has been observed previously for related thio- and selenoether rings. The nature of the intermolecular interactions was explored by solid-state PBE0-D3/pob-TZVP calculations involving periodic boundary conditions. The molecular packing in 1,7,13,19-Te4 (CH2 )20 , 1,8,15,22-Te4 (CH2 )24 and 1,9,17,25-Te4 (CH2 )28 forms infinite shafts. The electron densities at bond critical points indicate a narrow range of Te⋅⋅⋅Te bond orders of 0.12-0.14. The formation of the shafts can be rationalized by frontier orbital overlap and charge transfer.

Activating Chalcogen Bonding (ChB) in Alkylseleno/Alkyltelluroacetylenes toward Chalcogen Bonding Directionality Control

Activation of a deep electron-deficient area on chalcogen atoms (Ch=Se, Te) is demonstrated in alkynyl chalcogen derivatives, in the prolongation of the (C≡)C-Ch bond. The solid-state structures of 1,4-bis(methylselenoethynyl)perfluorobenzene (1Se) show the formation of recurrent chalcogen-bonded (ChB) motifs. Association of 1Se and the tellurium analogue 1Te with 4,4'-bipyridine and with the stronger Lewis base 1,4-di(4-pyridyl)piperazine gives 1:1 co-crystals with 1D extended structures linked by short and directional ChB interactions, comparable to those observed with the corresponding halogen bond (XB) donor, 1,4-bis(iodoethynyl)-perfluorobenzene. This "alkynyl" approach for chalcogen activation provides the crystal-engineering community with efficient, and neutral ChB donors for the elaboration of supramolecular 1D (and potentially 2D or 3D) architectures, with a degree of strength and predictability comparable to that of halogen bonding in iodoacetylene derivatives.

Understanding noncovalent bonds and their controlling forces

The fundamental underpinnings of noncovalent bonds are presented, focusing on the σ-hole interactions that are closely related to the H-bond. Different means of assessing their strength and the factors that control it are discussed. The establishment of a noncovalent bond is monitored as the two subunits are brought together, allowing the electrostatic, charge redistribution, and other effects to slowly take hold. Methods are discussed that permit prediction as to which site an approaching nucleophile will be drawn, and the maximum number of bonds around a central atom in its normal or hypervalent states is assessed. The manner in which a pair of anions can be held together despite an overall Coulombic repulsion is explained. The possibility that first-row atoms can participate in such bonds is discussed, along with the introduction of a tetrel analog of the dihydrogen bond.

The Carbonyl⋅⋅⋅Tellurazole Chalcogen Bond as a Molecular Recognition Unit: From Model Studies to Supramolecular Organic Frameworks

In the last years, chalcogen bonding, the noncovalent interaction involving chalcogen centers, has emerged as interesting alternative to the ubiquitous hydrogen bonding in many research areas. Here, we could show by means of high-level quantum chemical calculations that the carbonyl⋅⋅⋅tellurazole chalcogen bond is at least as strong as conventional hydrogen bonds. Using the carbonyl⋅⋅⋅tellurazole binding motif, we were able to design complex supramolecular networks in solid phase starting from tellurazole-substituted cyclic peptides. X-ray analyses reveal that the rigid structure of the cyclic peptides is caused by hydrogen bonds, whereas the supramolecular network is held together by chalcogen bonding. The type of the supramolecular network depends on peptide used; both linear wires and a honeycomb-like supramolecular organic framework (SOF) were observed. The unique structure of the SOF shows two channels filled with different types of solvent mixtures that are either locked or freely movable.

Chalcogen Bonding and Hydrophobic Effects Force Molecules into Small Spaces

Supramolecular capsules are desirable containers for the study of molecular behavior in small spaces and offer applications in transport, catalysis, and material science. We report here the use of chalcogen bonding to form container assemblies that are stable in water. Cavitands 1-3 functionalized with 2,1,3-benzoselenadiazole walls were synthesized in good yield from resorcin[4]arenes. The solid-state single-crystal X-ray structure of 3 showed a dimeric assembly cemented together through multiple Se···N chalcogen bonds. Binding of hydrophobic and amphiphilic guests in D₂O was investigated by ¹H NMR methods and revealed host-guest assemblies of 1:1, 2:1, and 2:2 stoichiometries. Small guests such as n-hexane or cyclohexane assembled as 2:2 capsular complexes, larger guests like cyclohexane carboxylic acid or cyclodecane formed 1:1 cavitand complexes, and longer linear guests like n-dodecane, cyclohexane carboxylic acid anhydride, and amides created 2:1 capsular complexes. The 2:1 complex of the capsule with cyclohexane carboxylic acid anhydride was stable over 2 weeks, showing that the seam of chalcogen bonds is "waterproof". Selective uptake of cyclohexane over benzene and methyl cyclohexane over toluene was observed in aqueous solution with the capsule. Hydrophobic forces and hydrogen-bonding attractions between guest molecules such as 3-methylbutanoic acid stabilized the assemblies in the presence of the competing effects of water. The high polarizability and modest electronegativity of Se provide a capsule lining complementary to guest C-H bonds. The 2,1,3-benzoselenadiazole walls impart an unusually high magnetic anisotropy to the capsule environment, which is supported by density functional theory calculations.

Carbonyl Activation by Selenium- and Tellurium-Based Chalcogen Bonding in a Michael Addition Reaction

In the last years the use of chalcogen bonding—the noncovalent interaction involving electrophilic chalcogen centers—in noncovalent organocatalysis has received increased interest, particularly regarding the use of intermolecular Lewis acids. Herein, we present the first use of tellurium‐based catalysts for the activation of a carbonyl compound (and only the second such activation by chalcogen bonding in general). As benchmark reaction, the Michael‐type addition between trans‐crotonophenone and 1‐methylindole (and its derivatives) was investigated in the presence of various catalyst candidates. Whereas non‐chalcogen‐bonding reference compounds were inactive, strong rate accelerations of up to 1000 could be achieved by bidentate triazolium‐based chalcogen bond donors, with product yields of >90 % within 2 h of reaction time. Organotellurium derivatives were markedly more active than their selenium and sulphur analogues and non‐coordinating counterions like BAr^F₄ provide the strongest dicationic catalysts.

Non-covalent bridging of bithiophenes through chalcogen bonding grips

In this work, chalcogen functionalized dithiophenes, equipped on both extremities with chalcogen-bonding recognition heterocycles, have been prepared following two synthetic pathways.

Chalcogen Bonding Catalysis of a Nitro-Michael Reaction

Chalcogen bonding is the non-covalent interaction between Lewis acidic chalcogen substituents and Lewis bases. Herein, we present the first application of dicationic tellurium-based chalcogen bond donors in the nitro-Michael reaction between trans-β-nitrostyrene and indoles. This also constitutes the first activation of nitro derivatives by chalcogen bonding (and halogen bonding). The catalysts showed rate accelerations of more than a factor of 300 compared to strongly Lewis acidic hydrogen bond donors. Several comparison experiments, titrations, and DFT calculations support a chalcogen-bonding-based mode of activation of β-nitrostyrene.

Frontiers in Halogen and Chalcogen-Bond Donor Organocatalysis

Non-covalent molecular interactions on the basis of halogen and chalcogen bonding represent a promising, powerful catalytic activation mode. However, these "unusual" non-covalent interactions are typically employed in the solid state and scarcely exploited in catalysis. In recent years, an increased interest in halogen and chalcogen bonding has been awaken, as they provide profound characteristics that make them an appealing alternative to the well-explored hydrogen bonding. Being particularly relevant in the binding of "soft" substrates, the similar strength to hydrogen bonding interactions and its higher directionality allows for solution-phase applications with halogen and chalcogen bonding as the key interaction. In this mini-review, the special features, state-of-the-art and key examples of these so-called σ-hole interactions in the field of organocatalysis are presented.