Strong Tetrel Bonds: Theoretical Aspects and Experimental Evidence

Hole interactions of aerogen oxides with Lewis bases: an insight into σ-hole and lone-pair-hole interactions

σ-Hole and lone-pair (lp)-hole interactions of aerogen oxides with Lewis bases (LB) were comparatively inspected in terms of quantum mechanics calculations. The ZOn ⋯ LB complexes (where Z = Kr and Xe, n = 1, 2, 3 and 4, and LB = NH3 and NCH) showed favourable negative interaction energies. The complexation features were explained in light of σ-hole and lp-hole interactions within optimum distances lower than the sum of the respective van der Waals radii. The emerging findings outlined that σ-hole interaction energies generally enhanced according to the following order: KrO4 ⋯ < KrO⋯ < KrO3⋯ < KrO2⋯LB and XeO4⋯ < XeO⋯ < XeO2⋯ < XeO3⋯LB complexes with values ranging from -2.23 to -12.84 kcal mol-1. Lp-hole interactions with values up to -5.91 kcal mol-1 were shown. Symmetry-adapted perturbation theory findings revealed the significant contributions of electrostatic forces accounting for 50-65% of the total attractive forces within most of the ZOn⋯LB complexes. The obtained observations would be useful for the understanding of hole interactions, particularly for the aerogen oxides, with application in supramolecular chemistry and crystal engineering.

The Realm of Unconventional Noncovalent Interactions in Proteins: Their Significance in Structure and Function

Proteins and their assemblies are fundamental for living cells to function. Their complex three-dimensional architecture and its stability are attributed to the combined effect of various noncovalent interactions. It is critical to scrutinize these noncovalent interactions to understand their role in the energy landscape in folding, catalysis, and molecular recognition. This Review presents a comprehensive summary of unconventional noncovalent interactions, beyond conventional hydrogen bonds and hydrophobic interactions, which have gained prominence over the past decade. The noncovalent interactions discussed include low-barrier hydrogen bonds, C5 hydrogen bonds, C-H···π interactions, sulfur-mediated hydrogen bonds, n → π* interactions, London dispersion interactions, halogen bonds, chalcogen bonds, and tetrel bonds. This Review focuses on their chemical nature, interaction strength, and geometrical parameters obtained from X-ray crystallography, spectroscopy, bioinformatics, and computational chemistry. Also highlighted are their occurrence in proteins or their complexes and recent advances made toward understanding their role in biomolecular structure and function. Probing the chemical diversity of these interactions, we determined that the variable frequency of occurrence in proteins and the ability to synergize with one another are important not only for ab initio structure prediction but also to design proteins with new functionalities. A better understanding of these interactions will promote their utilization in designing and engineering ligands with potential therapeutic value.

Does a halogen bond require positive potential on the acid and negative potential on the base?

It is usually expected that formation of a halogen bond (XB) requires that a region of positive electrostatic potential associated with a σ or π-hole on the Lewis acid will interact with the negative potential of the base, either a lone pair or π-bond region. Quantum calculations of model systems suggest this not to be necessary. The placement of electron-withdrawing substituents on the base can reverse the sign of the potential in its lone pair or π-bond region to positive, and this base can nonetheless engage in a XB with the positive σ-hole of a Lewis acid. The reverse scenario is also possible in certain circumstances, as a negatively charged σ-hole can form a XB with the negative lone pair region of a base. Despite these classical Coulombic repulsions, the overall electrostatic interaction is attractive in these XBs, albeit only weakly so. The strengths of these bonds are surprisingly insensitive to changes in the partner molecule. For example, even a wide range in the depth of the σ-hole of the approaching acid yields only a minimal change in the strength of the XB to a base with a positive potential.

Why much of Chemistry may be indisputably non-bonded?

In this compendium, the wide scope of all intermolecular interactions ever known has been revisited, in particular giving emphasis the capability of much of the elements of the periodic table to form non-covalent contacts. Either hydrogen bonds, dihydrogen bonds, halogen bonds, pnictogen bonds, chalcogen bonds, triel bonds, tetrel bonds, regium bonds, spodium bonds or even the aerogen bond interactions may be cited. Obviously that experimental techniques have been used in some works, but it was through the theoretical methods that these interactions were validate, wherein the QTAIM integrations and SAPT energy partitions have been useful in this regard. Therefore, the great goal concerns to elucidate the interaction strength and if the intermolecular system shall be total, partial or non-covalently bonded, wherein this last one encompasses the most majority of the intermolecular interactions what leading to affirm that chemistry is debatably non-bonded.

Intermediates, Isolation and Mechanistic Insights into Zinc Hydride-Catalyzed 1,2-Regioselective Hydrofunctionalization of N-Heteroarenes

The conjugated bis-guanidinate-supported zinc hydride [{LZnH}₂; L = {(ArHN) (ArN)-C═N-C═(NAr) (NHAr); Ar = 2,6-Et₂-C₆H₃}] (I)-catalyzed highly demanding exclusive 1,2-regioselective hydroboration and hydrosilylation of N-heteroarenes is demonstrated with excellent yields. This protocol is compatible with many pyridines and N-heteroarene derivatives, including electron-donating and -withdrawing substituents. Catalytic intermediates, such as [(LZnH) (4-methylpyridine)] IIA, [(L'ZnH) (4-methylpyridine) IIA', where L' = CH{(CMe) (2,6-Et₂C₆H₃N)}₂)], LZn(1,2-DhiQ) (isoquinoline) III, [L'Zn(1,2-DhiQ) (isoquinoline)] III', and LZn(1,2-(3-MeDHQ)) (3-methylquinoline) V, were isolated and thoroughly characterized by NMR, HRMS, and IR analyses. Furthermore, X-ray single-crystal diffraction studies confirmed the molecular structures of compounds IIA', III, and III'. The NMR data proved that the intermediate III or III' reacted with HBpin and gave a selective 1,2-addition hydroborated product. Stoichiometric experiments suggest that V and III independently reacted with silane, yielding selective 1,2-addition of mono- and bis-hydrosilylated products, respectively. Based on the isolation of intermediates and a series of stoichiometric experiments, plausible catalytic cycles were established. Furthermore, the intermolecular chemoselective hydroboration reaction over other reducible functionalities was studied.

A Fusion of Molecular Imprinting Technology and Siloxane Chemistry: A Way to Advanced Hybrid Nanomaterials

Molecular imprinting technology is a well-known strategy to synthesize materials with a predetermined specificity. For fifty years, the "classical" approach assumed the creation of "memory sites" in the organic polymer matrix by a template molecule that interacts with the functional monomer prior to the polymerization and template removal. However, the phenomenon of a material's "memory" provided by the "footprint" of the chemical entity was first observed on silica-based materials nearly a century ago. Through the years, molecular imprinting technology has attracted the attention of many scientists. Different forms of molecularly imprinted materials, even on the nanoscale, were elaborated, predominantly using organic polymers to induce the "memory". This field has expanded quickly in recent years, providing versatile tools for the separation or detection of numerous chemical compounds or even macromolecules. In this review, we would like to emphasize the role of the molecular imprinting process in the formation of highly specific siloxane-based nanomaterials. The distinct chemistry of siloxanes provides an opportunity for the facile functionalization of the surfaces of nanomaterials, enabling us to introduce additional properties and providing a way for vast applications such as detectors or separators. It also allows for catalyzing chemical reactions providing microreactors to facilitate organic synthesis. Finally, it determines the properties of siloxanes such as biocompatibility, which opens the way to applications in drug delivery and nanomedicine. Thus, a brief outlook on the chemistry of siloxanes prior to the discussion of the current state of the art of siloxane-based imprinted nanomaterials will be provided. Those aspects will be presented in the context of practical applications in various areas of chemistry and medicine. Finally, a brief outlook of future perspectives for the field will be pointed out.

The importance of tetrel bonding interactions with carbon in two arrestive iso-structural Cd(ii)-Salen coordination complexes: a comprehensive DFT overview in crystal engineering

In this article, we describe the serendipitous synthesis of two remarkable iso-structural Cd(ii)-Salen complexes [L₂Cd₄(OAc)₂(NCS)₂] in the presence of H₂L and NaSCN {where L = L¹ (N,N'-bis(3-methoxysalicylidene)-1,2-diaminopropane) and L = L² (N,N'-bis(3-methoxysalicylidene)-ethylenediamine) in 1 and 2, respectively}. The complexes were characterized by using elemental analysis, SEM-EDX, PXRD, spectroscopy, and X-ray crystallography. The X-ray crystal structure revealed that both complexes crystallize in the orthorhombic space group Pbcn, with unit cell parameters: a = 20.758(6), b = 11.022(3), c = 21.396(6) Å, V = 4895(2) ų, and Z = 4. The inner N₂O₂ and outer O₄ compartments are essentially occupied by two different Cd(ii) metal ions resulting from the de-protonated form of the ligand (L^2-) with the Cd(1) metal ions adopting a capped octahedral geometry. At the same time, Cd(2) assumes a distorted trigonal prismatic geometry. The solid-state crystal structure involves various non-covalent supramolecular interactions delineated by Hirshfeld Surface and 2D fingerprint plot analysis. Noteworthily, interesting S⋯H, O⋯H, and N⋯H contacts were observed, which have identical percentages in both complexes. The sparse tetrel bonding interactions in the complex, involving the CH₃ group, were evaluated in a new dimension of DFT. We observed this privileged bonding landscape that leads to the formation of self-assembled dimers in the crystal complexes. DFT-based MEP, RDG surface, NBO, and QTAIM/NCI plot investigation quantified such unique tetrel bonding interactions.

Tetrel Bonding in Anion Recognition: A First Principles Investigation

Twenty-five molecule-anion complex systems [I₄Tt···X^-] (Tt = C, Si, Ge, Sn and Pb; X = F, Cl, Br, I and At) were examined using density functional theory (ωB97X-D) and ab initio (MP2 and CCSD) methods to demonstrate the ability of the tetrel atoms in molecular entities, I₄Tt, to recognize the halide anions when in close proximity. The tetrel bond strength for the [I₄C···X^-] series and [I₄Tt···X^-] (Tt = Si, Sn; X = I, At), was weak-to-moderate, whereas that in the remaining 16 complexes was dative tetrel bond type with very large interaction energies and short Tt···X close contact distances. The basis set superposition error corrected interaction energies calculated with the highest-level theory applied, [CCSD(T)/def2-TZVPPD], ranged from -3.0 to -112.2 kcal mol^-1. The significant variation in interaction energies was realized as a result of different levels of tetrel bonding environment between the interacting partners at the equilibrium geometries of the complex systems. Although the ωB97X-D computed intermolecular geometries and interaction energies of a majority of the [I₄Tt···X^-] complexes were close to those predicted by the highest level of theory, the MP2 results were shown to be misleading for some of these systems. To provide insight into the nature of the intermolecular chemical bonding environment in the 25 molecule-anion complexes investigated, we discussed the charge-density-based topological and isosurface features that emanated from the application of the quantum theory of atoms in molecules and independent gradient model approaches, respectively.

Theoretical study on Xe⋯N non-covalent interactions: Three hybridization N with XeO3 and XeOF2

The interactions of complexes of XeOF2 and XeO3 with a series of different hybridization N-containing donors are studied by means of DFT and MP2 calculations. The aerogen bonding interaction energies range from 6.5 kcal/mol to 19.9 kcal/mol between XeO3 or XeOF2 and typical N-containing donors. The sequence of interaction for N-containing hybridization is sp3>sp2>sp, and XeO3 is higher than XeOF2. For some donors of sp2 and sp3 hybridization, the steric effect plays a minor role in the interaction with the evidence of reduced density gradient plots. The dominant stable part is the electrostatic interaction. In complex of XeO3, the weight of polarization is larger than dispersion, while the situation is opposite for XeOF2 complexes. Except for the sum of the maximum value of molecular electrostatic potential on Xe atom and minimum value of molecular electrostatic potential on N atom, the otherfive interaction parameters including the potential energy density at bond critical point, the equilibrium distances, interaction energies with the basis set superposition error correction, localized molecular orbital energy decomposition analysis interaction energies, and the electron charge density, show great linear correlation coefficients with each other.

Strongly Bound π-Hole Tetrel Bonded Complexes between H2SiO and Substituted Pyridines. Influence of Substituents

Ab initio calculation at the MP2/aug-cc-pVTZ level has been performed on the π-hole based N … Si tetrel bonded complexes between substituted pyridines and H 2 SiO. The primary aim of the study is to find out the effect of substitution on the strength and nature of this tetrel bond, and its similarity/difference with the N … C tetrel bond. Correlation between the strength of the N … Si bond and several molecular properties of the Lewis acid (H 2 SiO) and base (pyridines) are explored. The properties of the tetrel bond are analyzed using AIM, NBO, and symmetry-adapted perturbation theory calculations. The complexes are characterized with short N … Si intermolecular distances and high binding energies ranging between -142.72 and -115.37 kJ/mol. The high value of deformation energy indicates significant geometrical distortion of the monomer units. The AIM and NBO analysis reveal significant coordinate covalent  bond character of the N … Si π-hole bond.  Sharp differences are also noticed in the orbital interactions present in the N … Si and N … C tetrel bonds.

Noncovalent Interaction- and Steric Effect-Controlled Regiodivergent Selectivity in Dimeric Manganese-Catalyzed Hydroarylation of Internal Alkynes: A Computational Study

Selective hydroarylation of internal alkynes catalyzed by a dimeric manganese complex provides a powerful strategy for the construction of multisubstituted alkenes. In this work, density functional theory (DFT) calculations and experimental studies were carried out to explore the mechanism and origin of regiodivergent hydroarylation of internal alkynes reported by our group. The results demonstrate that this reaction first proceeds via a bimetallic mechanism to generate the active catalyst that subsequently undergoes a monometallic mechanism to run the three-stage catalytic cycle: alkyne migratory insertion, protonation, and active catalyst regeneration. Alkyne migratory insertion is considered as the regioselectivity-determining step. Energy decomposition analyses on insertion transition states suggest that the interaction between the substrate and catalyst is mainly responsible for the observed exclusive γ-selectivity of 1a, while the deformation of these two sections induced by the sterically hindered phenyl group and aryl group accounts for the complete β-position arylation of 1e. The decrease of γ-selectivity with the regulation of a tertiary alcohol motif in 1a originates from the reduced noncovalent interaction. The computational results provide important insights into the origin of regiodivergent selectivities and useful information for further designing and adjusting the strategy in Mn-catalyzed alkyne hydroarylation.

The influence of tetrel bonds on the acidities of group 14 tetrafluoride - inorganic acid complexes

Ab initio methods were used to determine the influence of tetrel bond formation on the acidity. The systems composed of inorganic acids and tetrafluorides of 14 group elements have been tested - HA/EF₄ , where HA = H₂ O, NH₃ , HF, HCN, HNC, HCNO, HOCN and E = C, Si, Ge, Sn or Pb. It turns out that the electron density flow involved with formation of tetrel bond to carbon-based systems leads to negligible increase in acidity. In the case of the acceptor compounds based on the remaining 14 group elements however, the effect is much more apparent, as most of those compounds may be considered a Brønsted superacids. The electronic stability of anions formed after the deprotonation of aforementioned complexes has been investigated. Vast majority of the anions were found to exhibit significant electron binding energies.

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.

R•-hole interactions of group IV-VII radical-containing molecules: A comparative study

For the first time, the potentiality of the sp²-hybridized group IV-VII radical (R^•)-containing molecules to participate in R^•-hole interactions was comparatively assessed using ^•SiF_3,^•POF₂, ^•SO₂F, and ^•ClO₃ models in the trigonal pyramidal geometry. In that spirit, a plethora of quantum mechanical calculations was performed at the MP2/aug-cc-pVTZ level of theory. According to the results, all the investigated R^•-containing molecules exhibited potent versatility to engage in R^•-hole … Lewis base interactions with significant negative binding energies for the NCH-based complexes. The strength of R^•-hole interactions was perceived to obey the ^•ClO₃ … > ^•SO₂F … > ^•POF₂ … > ^•SiF₃ … Lewis base order, outlining an inverse correlation between the binding energy and the atomic size of the R^•-hole donor. Benchmarking of the binding energy at the CCSD/CBS(T) computational level was executed for all the explored interactions and addressed an obvious similarity between the MP2 and CCSD energetic findings. QTAIM analysis critically unveiled the closed-shell nature of the explored R^•-hole interactions. SAPT-EDA proclaimed the reciprocal contributions of electrostatic and dispersion forces to the total binding energy. These observations demonstrate in better detail the nature of R^•-hole interactions, leading to a convincing amelioration for versatile fields relevant to materials science and drug design.

A Combined Experimental/Quantum-Chemical Study of Tetrel, Pnictogen, and Chalcogen Bonds of Linear Triatomic Molecules

Linear triatomic molecules (CO₂, N₂O, and OCS) are scrutinized for their propensity to form perpendicular tetrel (CO₂ and OCS) or pnictogen (N₂O) bonds with Lewis bases (dimethyl ether and trimethyl amine) as compared with their tendency to form end-on chalcogen bonds. Comparison of the IR spectra of the complexes with the corresponding monomers in cryogenic solutions in liquid argon enables to determine the stoichiometry and the nature of the complexes. In the present cases, perpendicular tetrel and pnictogen 1:1 complexes are identified mainly on the basis of the lifting of the degenerate ν 2 bending mode with the appearance of both a blue and a red shift. Van ′t Hoff plots of equilibrium constants as a function of temperature lead to complexation enthalpies that, when converted to complexation energies, form the first series of experimental complexation energies on sp¹ tetrel bonds in the literature, directly comparable to quantum-chemically obtained values. Their order of magnitude corresponds with what can be expected on the basis of experimental work on halogen and chalcogen bonds and previous computational work on tetrel bonds. Both the order of magnitude and sequence are in fair agreement with both CCSD(T) and DFA calculations, certainly when taking into account the small differences in complexation energies of the different complexes (often not more than a few kJ mol⁻¹) and the experimental error. It should, however, be noted that the OCS chalcogen complexes are not identified experimentally, most probably owing to entropic effects. For a given Lewis base, the stability sequence of the complexes is first successfully interpreted via a classical electrostatic quadrupole–dipole moment model, highlighting the importance of the magnitude and sign of the quadrupole moment of the Lewis acid. This approach is validated by a subsequent analysis of the molecular electrostatic potential, scrutinizing the σ and π holes, as well as the evolution in preference for chalcogen versus tetrel bonds when passing to “higher” chalcogens in agreement with the evolution of the quadrupole moment. The energy decomposition analysis gives further support to the importance/dominance of electrostatic effects, as it turns out to be the largest attractive term in all cases considered, followed by the orbital interaction and the dispersion term. The natural orbitals for chemical valence highlight the sequence of charge transfer in the orbital interaction term, which is dominated by an electron-donating effect of the N or O lone-pair(s) of the base to the central atom of the triatomics, with its value being lower than in the case of comparable halogen bonding situations. The effect is appreciably larger for TMA, in line with its much higher basicity than DME, explaining the comparable complexation energies for DME and TMA despite the much larger dipole moment for DME.

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.

Ability of Lewis Acids with Shallow σ-Holes to Engage in Chalcogen Bonds in Different Environments

Molecules of the type XYT = Ch (T = C, Si, Ge; Ch = S, Se; X,Y = H, CH₃, Cl, Br, I) contain a σ-hole along the T = Ch bond extension. This hole can engage with the N lone pair of NCH and NCCH₃ so as to form a chalcogen bond. In the case of T = C, these bonds are rather weak, less than 3 kcal/mol, and are slightly weakened in acetone or water. They owe their stability to attractive electrostatic energy, supplemented by dispersion, and a much smaller polarization term. Immersion in solvent reverses the electrostatic interaction to repulsive, while amplifying the polarization energy. The σ-holes are smaller for T = Si and Ge, even negative in many cases. These Lewis acids can nonetheless engage in a weak chalcogen bond. This bond owes its stability to dispersion in the gas phase, but it is polarization that dominates in solution.

The Effects of Electronegativity of X and Hybridization of C on the X-C⋅⋅⋅O Interactions: A Statistical Analysis on Tetrel Bonding

Cone and distance-cone corrected statistical analyses have been performed on X-C⋅⋅⋅O (X=H, B, C, N, O and F; the C atom is sp² and sp³ hybridized) tetrel bonds. The sp³ -C and sp² -C prefer to form the interactions through σ-hole (∠XCO≈180°) and π-hole (∠XCO≈90°), respectively. With the increase in electronegativity of X, the preference for the particular angles of the respective geometries increases and the C⋅⋅⋅O distance becomes shorter. The angular preference is found to be more prominent in the cases of π-hole interactions than that in the σ-hole interactions. A similar distance-cone corrected statistical analysis on O=C⋅⋅⋅O interaction also suggests that the preferred ∠OCO angle is ∼90° and the preferred C⋅⋅⋅O distance is around the sum of van der Waals radii (3.22 Å) of the C and O atoms. However, a cone-corrected statistical analysis on X-Si⋅⋅⋅O interactions suggests that the preference for linearity in this case is much higher than that for the X-C⋅⋅⋅O σ-hole interactions.

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.

Comparison of ±σ-hole and ±R˙-hole interactions formed by tetrel-containing complexes: a computational study

For the first time, unconventional ±R˙-hole interactions were unveiled in tetrel-containing complexes. The nature and characteristics of ±R˙-hole interactions were explored relative to their ±σ-hole counterparts for ˙TF3⋯ and W-T-F3⋯B/R˙/A complexes (where T = C, Si, and Ge, W = H and F, B = Lewis bases, R˙ = free radicals, and A = Lewis acids). In an effort to thoroughly investigate such interactions, a plethora of quantum mechanical calculations, including molecular electrostatic potential (MEP), maximum positive electrostatic potential (V s,max), point-of-charge (PoC), interaction energy, symmetry adapted perturbation theory (SAPT), and reduced density gradient-noncovalent interaction (RDG-NCI) calculations, were applied. The most notable findings to emerge from this study are that (i) from the electrostatic perspective, the molecular stabilization energies of ˙TF3 and W-T-F3 monomers became more negative as the Lewis basicity increased, (ii) the most stable complexes were observed for the ones containing Lewis bases, forming -σ-hole and -R˙-hole interactions, and the interaction energies systematically increased in the order H-T-F3⋯B < ˙TF3⋯B < F-T-F3⋯B, (iii) contrariwise, the +σ-hole and +R˙-hole interactions with Lewis acids are more energetically favorable in the order F-T-F3⋯A < ˙TF3⋯A < H-T-F3⋯A, and (iv) generally, the dispersion force plays a key role in stabilizing the tetrel-containing complexes, jointly with the electrostatic and induction forces for the interactions with Lewis bases and acids, respectively. Concretely, the findings presented in this paper add to our understanding of the characteristics and nature of such intriguing interactions.

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.

Coordination of a Central Atom by Multiple Intramolecular Pnicogen Bonds

A central pnicogen Z atom (Z = Sb, As) is covalently attached to the O atom of three -O(CH₂)_nX chains where X represents either an aldehyde or amine group. The chain can fold around so that the basic X group can engage in a noncovalent pnicogen bond with the central Z. The formation of up to three pnicogen bonds is energetically favored. The amine appears to engage in stronger pnicogen bonds than does the aldehyde, and bonds to Sb are favored over As, but there is little dependence on the length of the chain. The formation of each successive pnicogen bond reduces the magnitude of the σ-holes surrounding the Z atom, which tends to weaken the attraction for the basic end of the chain.

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.

Theoretical Studies of IR and NMR Spectral Changes Induced by Sigma-Hole Hydrogen, Halogen, Chalcogen, Pnicogen, and Tetrel Bonds in a Model Protein Environment

Various types of σ-hole bond complexes were formed with FX, HFY, H2FZ, and H3FT (X = Cl, Br, I; Y = S, Se, Te; Z = P, As, Sb; T = Si, Ge, Sn) as Lewis acid. In order to examine their interactions with a protein, N-methylacetamide (NMA), a model of the peptide linkage was used as the base. These noncovalent bonds were compared by computational means with H-bonds formed by NMA with XH molecules (X = F, Cl, Br, I). In all cases, the A-F bond, which lies opposite the base and is responsible for the σ-hole on the A atom (A refers to the bridging atom), elongates and its stretching frequency undergoes a shift to the red with a band intensification, much as what occurs for the X-H bond in a H-bond (HB). Unlike the NMR shielding decrease seen in the bridging proton of a H-bond, the shielding of the bridging A atom is increased. The spectroscopic changes within NMA are similar for H-bonds and the other noncovalent bonds. The C=O bond of the amide is lengthened and its stretching frequency red-shifted and intensified. The amide II band shifts to higher frequency and undergoes a small band weakening. The NMR shielding of the O atom directly involved in the bond rises, whereas the C and N atoms both undergo a shielding decrease. The frequency shifts of the amide I and II bands of the base as well as the shielding changes of the three pertinent NMA atoms correlate well with the strength of the noncovalent bond.

Effects of Halogen, Chalcogen, Pnicogen, and Tetrel Bonds on IR and NMR Spectra

Complexes were formed pairing FX, FHY, FH2Z, and FH3T (X = Cl, Br, I; Y = S, Se, Te; Z = P, As, Sb; T = Si, Ge, Sn) with NH3 in order to form an A⋯N noncovalent bond, where A refers to the central atom. Geometries, energetics, atomic charges, and spectroscopic characteristics of these complexes were evaluated via DFT calculations. In all cases, the A-F bond, which is located opposite the base and is responsible for the σ-hole on the A atom, elongates and its stretching frequency undergoes a shift to the red. This shift varies from 42 to 175 cm-1 and is largest for the halogen bonds, followed by chalcogen, tetrel, and then pnicogen. The shift also decreases as the central A atom is enlarged. The NMR chemical shielding of the A atom is increased while that of the F and electron donor N atom are lowered. Unlike the IR frequency shifts, it is the third-row A atoms that undergo the largest change in NMR shielding. The change in shielding of A is highly variable, ranging from negligible for FSnH3 all the way up to 1675 ppm for FBr, while those of the F atom lie in the 55-422 ppm range. Although smaller in magnitude, the changes in the N shielding are still easily detectable, between 7 and 27 ppm.

Tetrel Interactions from an Interacting Quantum Atoms Perspective

Tetrel bonds, the purportedly non-covalent interaction between a molecule that contains an atom of group 14 and an anion or (more generally) an atom or molecule with lone electron pairs, are under intense scrutiny. In this work, we perform an interacting quantum atoms (IQA) analysis of several simple complexes formed between an electrophilic fragment (A) (CH₃F, CH₄, CO₂, CS₂, SiO₂, SiH₃F, SiH₄, GeH₃F, GeO₂, and GeH₄) and an electron-pair-rich system (B) (NCH, NCO-, OCN-, F-, Br-, CN-, CO, CS, Kr, NC-, NH₃, OC, OH₂, SH-, and N₃-) at the aug-cc-pvtz coupled cluster singles and doubles (CCSD) level of calculation. The binding energy ( E bind AB ) is separated into intrafragment and inter-fragment components, and the latter in turn split into classical and covalent contributions. It is shown that the three terms are important in determining E bind AB , with absolute values that increase in passing from electrophilic fragments containing C, Ge, and Si. The degree of covalency between A and B is measured through the real space bond order known as the delocalization index ( δ AB ). Finally, a good linear correlation is found between δ AB and E xc AB , the exchange correlation (xc) or covalent contribution to E bind AB .

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.

“Like–like” tetrel bonding interactions between Sn centres: a combinedab initioand CSD study

In this manuscript, we combine a search in the Cambridge Structural Database (CSD) andab initiocalculations (RI-MP2/def2-TZVP level of theory) to analyse the ability of Sn to establish ‘like–like’ tetrel bonding interactions.

On the capability of metal–halogen groups to participate in halogen bonds

Halogens in a M–X bond are inhibited from forming a halogen bond but can do so in certain circumstances, with or without a σ-hole.