Mutual influence between triel bond and cation–π interactions: an ab initio study

Ga···C Triel Bonds-Why They Are Not Strong Enough to Change Trigonal Configuration into Tetrahedral One: DFT Calculations on Dimers That Occur in Crystal Structures

Structures characterized by the trigonal coordination of the gallium center that interacts with electron rich carbon sites are described. These interactions may be classified as Ga···C triel bonds. Their properties are analyzed in this study since these interactions may be important in numerous chemical processes including catalytical activities; additionally, geometrical parameters of corresponding species are described. The Ga···C triel bonds discussed here, categorized also as the π-hole bonds, do not change the trigonal configuration of the gallium center into the tetrahedral one despite total interactions in dimers being strong; however, the main contribution to the stabilization of corresponding structures comes from the electrostatic forces. The systems analyzed theoretically here come from crystal structures since the Cambridge Structural Database, CSD, search was performed to find structures where the gallium center linked to CC bonds of Lewis base units occurs. The majority structures found in CSD are characterized by parallel, stacking-like arrangements of species containing the Ga-centers. The theoretical results show that interactions within dimers are not classified as the three-centers links as in a case of typical hydrogen bonds and numerous other interactions. The total interactions in dimers analyzed here consist of several local intermolecular atom-atom interactions; these are mainly the Ga···C links. The DFT results are supported in this study by calculations with the use of the quantum theory of atoms in molecules, QTAIM, the natural bond orbital, NBO, and the energy decomposition analysis, EDA, approaches.

Influence of halogen atom substitution and neutral HCN/anion CN- Lewis base on the triel-bonding interactions

Triel-bonding interactions composed of Lewis acid TrOHH₂/TrOH₂X/TrOHX₂ (Tr = B, Al, Ga; X = F, Cl, Br) molecule and Lewis base neutral HCN or anionic CN^- molecule are of research significance in bond properties, which has been investigated at MP2/aug-cc-pVTZ theory level. It is also feasible to study the halogen atom substituent effect and influence of different Lewis bases on the formation of triel bond. AIM analyses reveal that Tr (Tr = B, Al, Ga)···N bond critical point (BCP) exists in all studied triel bond. In the formation of triel bonding, compared with Lewis base HCN molecule, Lewis base anionic CN^- can participate in a stronger triel bond. Specifically, the structural change, deformation energy, and charge transfer of CN^- complexes are all larger than that of HCN complexes. In addition, halogen atom substitution effect is also discussed. MEP value and binding energy of HCN and CN^- complexes all increase after replacing one or two hydrogen atoms by halogen atoms (F, Cl, Br) in Lewis acid. Especially, replacing two hydrogen atoms by halogen atoms in Lewis acid has more remarkable enhancement in MEP value and binding energy than that of replacing only one hydrogen atom. After replacement, binding energy can be increased by 21.77 kcal/mol. The neutral and anionic triel-bonded complexes composed by Lewis acid TrOHH₂/TrOH₂X/TrOHX₂ (Tr = B, Al, Ga; X = F, Cl, Br) with Lewis base HCN and CN^- are systematically investigated at MP2/aug-cc-pVTZ level. The neutral (HCN) triel bonding is weaker than the anionic (CN^-) triel bonding due to the smaller MEP value of the neutral HCN molecule. The replacement of hydrogens (-H) in Lewis acid by electron-withdrawing groups (-F, -Cl, -Br) has a prominent enhancement effect on the MEP value of π-hole and triel-bonding strength.

Cooperative effects between π-hole triel and π-hole chalcogen bonds

MP2/aug-cc-pVTZ calculations have been performed on π-hole triel- and chalcogen-bonded complexes involving a heteroaromatic compound. These complexes are very stable with large interaction energy up to −47 kcal mol⁻¹. The sp²-hybridized nitrogen atom engages in a stronger π-hole bond than the sp-hybridized species although the former has smaller negative electrostatic potential. The sp²-hybridized oxygen atom in 1,4-benzoquinone is a weaker electron donor in the π-hole bond than the sp²-hybridized nitrogen atom. The π-hole triel bond is stronger than the π-hole chalcogen bond. A clear structural deformation is found for the triel or chalcogen donor molecule in these π-hole-bonded complexes. The triel bond exhibits partially covalent interaction, whereas the chalcogen bond exhibits covalent interaction in the SO₃ complexes of pyrazine and pyridine derivatives with a sp²-hybridized nitrogen atom. Intermolecular charge transfer (>0.2e) occurs to a considerable extent in these complexes. In ternary complexes involving an aromatic compound, wherein a triel bond and a chalcogen bond coexist, both the interactions are weakened or strengthened when the central aromatic molecule acts as a double Lewis base or plays a dual role of both a base and an acid. Both electrostatic and charge transfer effects have important contributions toward changes in the strength of both interactions.

MP2/aug-cc-pVTZ calculations have been performed on π-hole triel- and chalcogen-bonded complexes involving a heteroaromatic compound. Both interactions exhibit cooperative/diminutive effect, depending on the role of the central heteroaromatic compound.