Structure determination of three furan‐substituted benzimidazoles and calculation of π–π and C—H...π interaction energies

The synthesis and structural characterization of 2‐(furan‐2‐yl)‐1‐(furan‐2‐ylmethyl)‐1H‐benzimidazole [C₁₆H₁₂N₂O₂, (I)], 2‐(furan‐2‐yl)‐1‐(furan‐2‐ylmethyl)‐1H‐benzimidazol‐3‐ium chloride monohydrate [C₁₆H₁₃N₂O₂⁺·Cl⁻·H₂O, (II)] and the hydrobromide salt 5,6‐dimethyl‐2‐(furan‐2‐yl)‐1‐(furan‐2‐ylmethyl)‐1H‐benzimidazol‐3‐ium bromide [C₁₈H₁₇N₂O₂⁺·Br⁻, (III)] are described. Benzimidazole (I) displays two sets of aromatic interactions, each of which involves pairs of molecules in a head‐to‐tail arrangement. The first, denoted set (Ia), exhibits both intermolecular C—H...π interactions between the 2‐(furan‐2‐yl) (abbreviated as Fn) and 1‐(furan‐2‐ylmethyl) (abbreviated as MeFn) substituents, and π–π interactions involving the Fn substituents between inversion‐center‐related molecules. The second, denoted set (Ib), involves π–π interactions involving both the benzene ring (Bz) and the imidazole ring (Im) of benzimidazole. Hydrated salt (II) exhibits N—H...OH₂...Cl hydrogen bonding that results in chains of molecules parallel to the a axis. There is also a head‐to‐head aromatic stacking of the protonated benzimidazole cations in which the Bz and Im rings of one molecule interact with the Im and Fn rings of adjacent molecules in the chain. Salt (III) displays N—H...Br hydrogen bonding and π–π interactions involving inversion‐center‐related benzimidazole rings in a head‐to‐tail arrangement. In all of the π–π interactions observed, the interacting moieties are shifted with respect to each other along the major molecular axis. Basis set superposition energy‐corrected (counterpoise method) interaction energies were calculated for each interaction [DFT, M06‐2X/6‐31+G(d)] employing atomic coordinates obtained in the crystallographic analyses for heavy atoms and optimized H‐atom coordinates. The calculated interaction energies are −43.0, −39.8, −48.5, and −55.0 kJ mol⁻¹ for (Ia), (Ib), (II), and (III), respectively. For (Ia), the analysis was used to partition the interaction energies into the C—H...π and π–π components, which are 9.4 and 24.1 kJ mol⁻¹, respectively. Energy‐minimized structures were used to determine the optimal interplanar spacing, the slip distance along the major molecular axis, and the slip distance along the minor molecular axis for 2‐(furan‐2‐yl)‐1H‐benzimidazole.     

2‐Ethylsulfanyl‐7‐(furan‐2‐yl)‐4‐(thiophen‐2‐yl)pyrazolo[1,5‐a][1,3,5]triazine: π‐stacked chains of hydrogen‐bonded R22(10) dimers

In the title compound, C₁₅H₁₂N₄OS₂, the bond distances in the fused heterocyclic system show evidence for aromatic‐type delocalization in the pyrazole ring with some bond fixation in the triazine ring. The thiophenyl substituent is slightly disordered over two sets of atomic sites having occupancies of 0.934 (4) and 0.066 (4). The non‐H atoms in the entire molecule are nearly coplanar, with the planes of the furanyl substituent and the major orientation of the thiophenyl substituent making dihedral angles of 5.72 (17) and 1.8 (3)°, respectively, with that of the fused ring system. Molecules are linked into centrosymmetric R₂²(10) dimers by C—H...O hydrogen bonds and these dimers are further linked into chains by a single π–π stacking interaction. Comparisons are made with some related 4,7‐diaryl‐2‐(ethylsulfanyl)pyrazolo[1,5‐a][1,3,5]triazines which contain variously substituted aryl groups in place of the furanyl and thiophenyl substituents in the title compound.     

The tropolone–isobutylamine complex: a hydrogen‐bonded troponoid without dominant π–π interactions

Tropolone long has served as a model system for unraveling the ubiquitous phenomena of proton transfer and hydrogen bonding. This molecule, which juxtaposes ketonic, hydroxylic, and aromatic functionalities in a framework of minimal complexity, also has provided a versatile platform for investigating the synergism among competing intermolecular forces, including those generated by hydrogen bonding and aryl coupling. Small members of the troponoid family typically produce crystals that are stabilized strongly by pervasive π–π, C—H…π, or ion–π interactions. The organic salt (TrOH·iBA) formed by a facile proton‐transfer reaction between tropolone (TrOH) and isobutylamine (iBA), namely isobutylammonium 7‐oxocyclohepta‐1,3,5‐trien‐1‐olate, C₄H₁₂N⁺·C₇H₅O₂⁻, has been investigated by X‐ray crystallography, with complementary quantum‐chemical and statistical‐database analyses serving to elucidate the nature of attendant intermolecular interactions and their synergistic effects upon lattice‐packing phenomena. The crystal structure deduced from low‐temperature diffraction measurements displays extensive hydrogen‐bonding networks, yet shows little evidence of the aryl forces (viz. π–π, C—H…π, and ion–π interactions) that typically dominate this class of compounds. Density functional calculations performed with and without the imposition of periodic boundary conditions (the latter entailing isolated subunits) documented the specificity and directionality of noncovalent interactions occurring between the proton‐donating and proton‐accepting sites of TrOH and iBA, as well as the absence of aromatic coupling mediated by the seven‐membered ring of TrOH. A statistical comparison of the structural parameters extracted for key hydrogen‐bond linkages to those reported for 44 previously known crystals that support similar binding motifs revealed TrOH·iBA to possess the shortest donor–acceptor distances of any troponoid‐based complex, combined with unambiguous signatures of enhanced proton‐delocalization processes that putatively stabilize the corresponding crystalline lattice and facilitate its surprisingly rapid formation under ambient conditions.     

Fourfold alkyl wrapping of a copper(II) porphyrin thwarts macrocycle π–π stacking in a compact supramolecular package

Porphyrins are valuable constituents in optoelectronic, catalytic, and other applications, yet control of intermolecular π–π stacking is invariably essential to attain the desired properties. Superstructures built onto the porphyrin, often via meso‐aryl groups, can afford facial encumbrance that suppresses π–π stacking, although some molecular designs have provided insufficient facial coverage and many have entailed cumbersome syntheses. In this study, a copper(II) porphyrin bearing four meso substituents, namely, {10,20‐bis[2,6‐bis(octyloxy)phenyl]‐5,15‐dibromoporphinato}copper(II), [Cu(C₆₄H₈₂Br₂N₄O₄)], was prepared by metalation of the corresponding free‐base porphyrin and was characterized by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. The crystal structure reveals a dihedral angle of 111.1 (2)° for the plane of the meso‐aryl group relative to the plane of the porphyrin, with both aryl groups tilted in the same direction. Each of the four octyloxy groups exhibits a gauche conformation for the –OCH₂CH₂– unit but is extended with four or five anti (–CH₂CH₂–/H) conformations thereafter, causing each octyl group to span the dimension of the macrocycle. In a global frame of reference where the two Br atoms define the north/south poles and the two aryl groups are at antipodes on the equator, two octyl groups of one aryl unit project over the northern hemisphere (covering pyrroles A and B), whereas those of the other aryl unit project over the southern hemisphere (covering pyrroles C and D). Together, the four octyl groups ensheath the two faces of the porphyrin in a self‐wrapped assembly. The closest approach of the Cu atom to an octyl methylene C atom (position 6) is 3.5817 (18) Å, the mean separations of neighboring porphyrin planes are 8.059 (4) and 4.693 (8) Å along the a and c axes, respectively, and the center‐to‐center distances between the Cu atoms of neighboring porphyrins are 10.2725 (4), 12.2540 (6), and 12.7472 (6) Å along the a, b, and c axes, respectively. The Hirshfeld surface analysis and two‐dimensional (2D) fingerprint plots provide information concerning contact interactions in the supramolecular assembly of the solid crystal.     

π–π stacking motifs in dialkylbis{5‐[(E)‐2‐aryldiazen‐1‐yl]‐2‐hydroxybenzoato}tin(IV) complexes

The diorganotin(IV) complexes of 5‐[(E)‐2‐aryldiazen‐1‐yl]‐2‐hydroxybenzoic acid are of interest because of their structural diversity in the crystalline state and their interesting biological activity. The structures of dimethylbis{2‐hydroxy‐5‐[(E)‐2‐(4‐methylphenyl)diazen‐1‐yl]benzoato}tin(IV), [Sn(CH₃)₂(C₁₄H₁₁N₂O₃)₂], and di‐n‐butylbis{2‐hydroxy‐5‐[(E)‐2‐(4‐methylphenyl)diazen‐1‐yl]benzoato}tin(IV) benzene hemisolvate, [Sn(C₄H₉)₂(C₁₄H₁₁N₂O₃)₂]·0.5C₆H₆, exhibit the usual skew‐trapezoidal bipyramidal coordination geometry observed for related complexes of this class. Each structure has two independent molecules of the Sn^IV complex in the asymmetric unit. In the dimethyltin structure, intermolecular O—H…O hydrogen bonds and a very weak Sn…O interaction link the independent molecules into dimers. The planar carboxylate ligands lend themselves to π–π stacking interactions and the diversity of supramolecular structural motifs formed by these interactions has been examined in detail for these two structures and four closely related analogues. While there are some recurring basic motifs amongst the observed stacking arrangements, such as dimers and step‐like chains, variations through longitudinal slipping and inversion of the direction of the overlay add complexity. The π–π stacking motifs in the two title complexes are combinations of some of those observed in the other structures and are the most complex of the structures examined.     

Reactions between arylhydrazinium chlorides and 2‐chloroquinoline‐3‐carbaldehydes: molecular and supramolecular structures of a hydrazone,a 4,9‐dihydro‐1H‐pyrazolo[3,4‐b]quinoline and two 1H‐pyrazolo[3,4‐b]quinolines

Hydrazone derivatives exhibit a wide range of biological activities, while pyrazolo[3,4‐b]quinoline derivatives, on the other hand, exhibit both antimicrobial and antiviral activity, so that all new derivatives in these chemical classes are potentially of value. Dry grinding of a mixture of 2‐chloroquinoline‐3‐carbaldehyde and 4‐methylphenylhydrazinium chloride gives (E)‐1‐[(2‐chloroquinolin‐3‐yl)methylidene]‐2‐(4‐methylphenyl)hydrazine, C₁₇H₁₄ClN₃, (I), while the same regents in methanol in the presence of sodium cyanoborohydride give 1‐(4‐methylphenyl)‐4,9‐dihydro‐1H‐pyrazolo[3,4‐b]quinoline, C₁₇H₁₅N₃, (II). The reactions between phenylhydrazinium chloride and either 2‐chloroquinoline‐3‐carbaldehyde or 2‐chloro‐6‐methylquinoline‐3‐carbaldehyde give, respectively, 1‐phenyl‐1H‐pyrazolo[3,4‐b]quinoline, C₁₆H₁₁N₃, (III), which crystallizes in the space group Pbcn as a nonmerohedral twin having Z′ = 3, or 6‐methyl‐1‐phenyl‐1H‐pyrazolo[3,4‐b]quinoline, C₁₇H₁₃N₃, (IV), which crystallizes in the space group R. The molecules of compound (I) are linked into sheets by a combination of N—H…N and C—H…π(arene) hydrogen bonds, and the molecules of compound (II) are linked by a combination of N—H…N and C—H…π(arene) hydrogen bonds to form a chain of rings. In the structure of compound (III), one of the three independent molecules forms chains generated by C—H…π(arene) hydrogen bonds, with a second type of molecule linked to the chains by a second C—H…π(arene) hydrogen bond and the third type of molecule linked to the chain by multiple π–π stacking interactions. A single C—H…π(arene) hydrogen bond links the molecules of compound (IV) into cyclic centrosymmetric hexamers having (S₆) symmetry, which are themselves linked into a three‐dimensional array by π–π stacking interactions.     

[2,5‐Bis(2,2′‐bipyridyl‐6‐yl)‐3,4‐diazahexa‐2,4‐diene]dichloridomanganese(II): from a mononuclear compound to a three‐dimensional supramolecular framework through C—H...Cl hydrogen bonds and π–π stacking interactions

The title compound, [MnCl₂(C₂₄H₂₀N₆)], has been synthesized and characterized based on the multifunctional ligand 2,5‐bis(2,2′‐bipyridyl‐6‐yl)‐3,4‐diazahexa‐2,4‐diene (L). The Mn^II centre is five‐coordinate with an approximately square‐pyramidal geometry. The L ligand acts as a tridendate chelating ligand. The mononuclear molecules are bridged into a one‐dimensional chain by two C—H...Cl hydrogen bonds. These chains are assembled into a two‐dimensional layer through π–π stacking interactions between adjacent uncoordinated bipyridyl groups. Furthermore, a three‐dimensional supramolecular framework is attained through π–π stacking interactions between adjacent coordinated bipyridyl groups.     

A two‐dimensional silver(I) coordination polymer constructed from 4‐aminophenylarsonate and triphenylphosphane: poly[[(μ3‐4‐aminophenylarsonato‐κ3N:O:O)(triphenylphosphane‐κP)silver(I)] monohydrate]

The title compound, {[Ag(C₆H₇AsNO₃)(C₁₈H₁₅P)]·H₂O}_n, has been synthesized from the reaction of 4‐aminophenylarsonic acid with silver nitrate, in aqueous ammonia, with the addition of triphenylphosphane (PPh₃). The Ag^I centre is four‐coordinated by one amino N atom, one PPh₃ P atom and two arsonate O atoms, forming a severely distorted [AgNPO₂] tetrahedron. Two Ag^I‐centred tetrahedra are held together to produce a dinuclear [Ag₂O₂N₂P₂] unit by sharing an O–O edge. 4‐Aminophenylarsonate (Hapa⁻) adopts a μ₃‐κ³N:O:O‐tridentate coordination mode connecting two dinuclear units, resulting in a neutral [Ag(Hapa)(PPh₃)]_n layer lying parallel to the (10) plane. The PPh₃ ligands are suspended on both sides of the [Ag(Hapa)(PPh₃)]_n layer, displaying up and down orientations. There is an R₂²(8) hydrogen‐bonded dimer involving two arsonate groups from two Hapa⁻ ligands related by a centre of inversion. Additionally, there are hydrogen‐bonding interactions involving the solvent water molecules and the arsonate and amine groups of the Hapa⁻ ligands, and weak π–π stacking interactions within the [Ag(Hapa)(PPh₃)]_n layer. These two‐dimensional layers are further assembled by weak van der Waals interactions to form the final architecture.     

π–π Stacking‐Interlinked Molecular Squares with Hepta‐Coordinated Cadmium(II) Corners, [Cd(DMAP)3(NO2)2]·0.5H2O

The single crystal X‐ray analysis data of the new hepta‐coordinate cadmium(II) complex of N,N‐dimethyl‐N‐(4‐pyridyl)amine (DMPA), [Cd(DMPA)₃(NO₂)₂]·0.5H₂O, shows that the coordination environment around the Cd^II is pentagonal bipyramidal. Furthermore, self‐assembly of this complex as molecular squares that interlink via π–π stacking interactions is observed. This network contains voids that are filled by water molecules.     

Supramolecular hydrogen‐bonding patterns in the organic–inorganic hybrid compound bis(4‐amino‐5‐chloro‐2,6‐dimethylpyrimidinium) tetrathiocyanatozinc(II)–4‐amino‐5‐chloro‐2,6‐dimethylpyrimidine–water (1/2/2)

Zinc thiocyanate complexes have been found to be biologically active compounds. Zinc is also an essential element for the normal function of most organisms and is the main constituent in a number of metalloenzyme proteins. Pyrimidine and aminopyrimidine derivatives are biologically very important as they are components of nucleic acids. Thiocyanate ions can bridge metal ions by employing both their N and S atoms for coordination. They can play an important role in assembling different coordination structures and yield an interesting variety of one‐, two‐ and three‐dimensional polymeric metal–thiocyanate supramolecular frameworks. The structure of a new zinc thiocyanate–aminopyrimidine organic–inorganic compound, (C₆H₉ClN₃)₂[Zn(NCS)₄]·2C₆H₈ClN₃·2H₂O, is reported. The asymmetric unit consist of half a tetrathiocyanatozinc(II) dianion, an uncoordinated 4‐amino‐5‐chloro‐2,6‐dimethylpyrimidinium cation, a 4‐amino‐5‐chloro‐2,6‐dimethylpyrimidine molecule and a water molecule. The Zn^II atom adopts a distorted tetrahedral coordination geometry and is coordinated by four N atoms from the thiocyanate anions. The Zn^II atom is located on a special position (twofold axis of symmetry). The pyrimidinium cation and the pyrimidine molecule are not coordinated to the Zn^II atom, but are hydrogen bonded to the uncoordinated water molecules and the metal‐coordinated thiocyanate ligands. The pyrimidine molecules and pyrimidinium cations also form base‐pair‐like structures with an R₂²(8) ring motif via N—H…N hydrogen bonds. The crystal structure is further stabilized by intermolecular N—H…O, O—H…S, N—H…S and O—H…N hydrogen bonds, by intramolecular N—H…Cl and C—H…Cl hydrogen bonds, and also by π–π stacking interactions.     

Supramolecular architectures in the salt trimethoprimium ferrocene‐1‐carboxylate and the cocrystal 4‐amino‐5‐chloro‐2,6‐dimethylpyrimidine–ferrocene‐1‐carboxylic acid (1/1)

In the salt trimethoprimium ferrocenecarboxylate [systematic name: 2,4‐diamino‐5‐(3,4,5‐trimethoxybenzyl)pyrimidin‐1‐ium ferrocene‐1‐carboxylate], (C₁₄H₁₉N₄O₃)[Fe(C₅H₅)(C₆H₄O₂)], (I), of the antibacterial compound trimethoprim, the carboxylate group interacts with the protonated aminopyrimidine group of trimethoprim via two N—H…O hydrogen bonds, generating a robust R ₂²(8) ring motif (heterosynthon). However, in the cocrystal 4‐amino‐5‐chloro‐2,6‐dimethylpyrimidine–ferrocene‐1‐carboxylic acid (1/1), [Fe(C₅H₅)(C₆H₅O₂)]·C₆H₈ClN₃, (II), the carboxyl–aminopyrimidine interaction [R ₂²(8) motif] is absent. The carboxyl group interacts with the pyrimidine ring via a single O—H…N hydrogen bond. The pyrimidine rings, however, form base pairs via a pair of N—H…N hydrogen bonds, generating an R ₂²(8) supramolecular homosynthon. In salt (I), the unsubstituted cyclopentadienyl ring is disordered over two positions, with a refined site‐occupation ratio of 0.573 (10):0.427 (10). In this study, the two five‐membered cyclopentadienyl (Cp) rings of ferrocene are in a staggered conformation, as is evident from the C…Cg …Cg …C pseudo‐torsion angles, which are in the range 36.13–37.53° for (I) and 22.58–23.46° for (II). Regarding the Cp ring of the minor component in salt (I), the geometry of the ferrocene ring is in an eclipsed conformation, as is evident from the C…Cg …Cg …C pseudo‐torsion angles, which are in the range 79.26–80.94°. Both crystal structures are further stabilized by weak π–π interactions.     

Mononuclear Pervanadyl (VO2+) Complexes with Tridentate Schiff Bases: Self‐assembling via C–H…oxo and π‐π Interactions

Pervanadyl (VO₂⁺) complexes with N‐(aroyl)‐N′‐(picolinylidene)hydrazines (HL = Hpabh, Hpath and Hpadh; H stands for the dissociable amide hydrogen) are described. The Schiff bases were obtained by condensation of 2‐pyridine‐carboxaldehyde with benzhydrazide (Hpabh), 4‐methylbenzhydrazide (Hpath) and 4‐dimethylaminobenzhydrazide (Hpadh), respectively. The reaction of [VO(acac)₂] and HL in acetonitrile in air affords the complexes of general formula [VO₂L]. The diamagnetic nature and EPR silence confirm the +5 oxidation state of vanadium in these complexes. Infrared spectra of the complexes are consistent with the enolate form of the coordinated ligands. Electronic spectra show charge transfer bands in the range 486–233 nm. The complexes are redox active and display an irreversible reduction (–0.64 to –0.72 V vs. Ag/AgCl). The crystal structures of all the complexes have been determined. In each complex, the metal centre is in a distorted trigonal‐bipyramidal N₂O₃ coordination sphere formed by the pyridine‐N, the imine‐N and the deprotonated amide‐O donor L^– and two oxo groups. The planar ligand satisfies one equatorial and two axial positions. The other two equatorial positions are occupied by the two oxo groups. In the solid state, the molecules of each of the three complexes form a chain‐like arrangement via the azomethine‐H…oxo interactions. Interchain weak π‐π interactions lead to two dimensional networks for [VO₂(pabh)] and [VO₂(path)]. On the other hand, [VO₂(padh)] forms a two‐dimensional network through interchain N‐methyl‐H…oxo interactions.     

A comparative experimental and theoretical investigation of hydrogen‐bond,halogen‐bond and π–π interactions in the solid‐state supramolecular assembly of 2‐ and 4‐formylphenyl arylsulfonates

To explore the operational role of noncovalent interactions in supramolecular architectures with designed topologies, a series of solid‐state structures of 2‐ and 4‐formylphenyl 4‐substituted benzenesulfonates was investigated. The compounds are 2‐formylphenyl 4‐methylbenzenesulfonate, C₁₄H₁₂O₄S, 3a , 2‐formylphenyl 4‐chlorobenzenesulfonate, C₁₃H₉ClO₄S, 3b , 2‐formylphenyl 4‐bromobenzenesulfonate, C₁₃H₉BrO₄S, 3c , 4‐formylphenyl 4‐methylbenzenesulfonate, C₁₄H₁₂O₄S, 4a , 4‐formylphenyl 4‐chlorobenzenesulfonate, 4b , C₁₃H₉ClO₄S, and 4‐formylphenyl 4‐bromobenzenesulfonate, C₁₃H₉BrO₄S, 4c . The title compounds were synthesized under basic conditions from salicylaldehyde/4‐hydroxybenzaldehydes and various aryl sulfonyl chlorides. Remarkably, halogen‐bonding interactions are found to be important to rationalize the solid‐state crystal structures. In particular, the formation of O…X (X = Cl and Br) and type I X…X halogen‐bonding interactions have been analyzed by means of density functional theory (DFT) calculations and characterized using Bader's theory of `atoms in molecules' and molecular electrostatic potential (MEP) surfaces, confirming the relevance and stabilizing nature of these interactions. They have been compared to antiparallel π‐stacking interactions that are formed between the arylsulfonates.     

Crystal structure and hydrogen bonding in the hydrated cocrystalline salt tryptaminium–3,5‐dinitrobenzoate–quinoline–water (3/3/2/2)

The study of ternary systems is interesting because it introduces the concept of molecular preference/competition into the system where one molecule may be displaced because the association between the other two is significantly stronger. Current definitions of a tertiary system indicate that solvent molecules are excluded from the molecule count of the system and some of the latest definitions state that any molecule that is not a solid in the parent form at room temperature should also be excluded from the molecule count. In the structure of the quinoline adduct hydrate of tryptaminium 3,5‐dinitrobenzoate, 3C₁₀H₁₃N₂⁺·3C₇H₃N₂O₆⁻·2C₉H₇N·2H₂O, the asymmetric unit comprises multiple cation and anion species which are conformationally similar among each type set. In the crystal, a one‐dimensional hydrogen‐bonded supramolecular structure is generated through extensive intra‐ and inter‐unit aminium N—H…O and N—H…N, and water O—H…O hydrogen bonds. Within the central‐core hydrogen‐bonding associations, conjoined cyclic R₄⁴(10), R₅³(10) and R₄⁴(12) motifs are generated. The unit is expanded into a one‐dimensional column‐like polymer extending along [010]. Present also in the crystal packing of the structure are a total of 19 π–π interactions involving both cation, anion and quinoline species [ring‐centroid separation range = 3.395 (3)–3.797 (3) Å], as well as a number of weak C—H…O hydrogen‐bonding associations. The presence of the two water molecules in the crystal structure is considered to be the principal causative factor in the low symmetry of the asymmetric unit.     

Synthesis and Crystal Structure of a [Mo8O26]4– Cluster Derivative with 4‐MePyH+. First β‐Octamolybdate Derivative with π–π Stacking

Dioxobis(pyridine‐2‐thiolate‐N, S)molybdenum(VI) (MoO₂(Py‐S)₂), reacts with of 4‐methylpyridine (4‐MePy) in acetonitrile, by slow diffusion, to afford the title compound. This has been characterized by elemental analysis, IR and ¹H NMR spectroscopy. The X‐ray single crystal structure of the complex is described. Structural studies reveal that the molecular structure consists of a β‐Mo₈O₂₆ polyanion with eight MoO₆ distorted edge‐shared octahedra with short terminal Mo–O bonds (1.692–1.714 Å), bonds of intermediate length (1.887–1.999 Å) and long bonds (2.150–2.473 Å). Two different types of hydrogen bonds have been found: N–H···O (2.800–3.075 Å) and C–H···O (3.095–3.316 Å). The presence of π–π stacking interactions and strong hydrogen bonds are presumably responsible for the special disposition of the pyridinic rings around the polyanion cluster.     

Comparative studies on group III σ‐hole and π‐hole interactions

The σ‐hole of M₂H₆ (M = Al, Ga, In) and π‐hole of MH₃ (M = Al, Ga, In) were discovered and analyzed, the bimolecular complexes M₂H₆···NH₃ and MH₃···N₂P₂F₄ (M = Al, Ga, In) were constructed to carry out comparative studies on the group III σ‐hole interactions and π‐hole interactions. The two types of interactions are all partial‐covalent interactions; the π‐hole interactions are stronger than σ‐hole interactions. The electrostatic energy is the largest contribution for forming the σ‐hole and π‐hole interaction, the polarization energy is also an important factor to form the M···N interaction. The electrostatic energy contributions to the interaction energy of the σ‐hole interactions are somewhat greater than those of the π‐hole interactions. However, the polarization contributions for the π‐hole interactions are somewhat greater than those for the σ‐hole interactions. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.     

Time‐Dependent Aggregation‐Induced Enhanced Emission,Absorption Spectral Broadening,and Aggregation Morphology of a Novel Perylene Derivative with a Large D–π–A Structure

Strong aggregation‐caused quenching of perylene diimides (PDI) is changed successfully by simple chemical modification with two quinoline moieties through C?C at the bay positions to obtain aggregation‐induced enhanced emission (AIEE) of a perylene derivative ( Cya‐PDI ) with a large π‐conjugation system. Cya‐PDI is weakly luminescent in the well‐dispersed CH₃CN or THF solutions and exhibits an evident time‐dependent AIEE and absorption spectra broadening in the aggregated state. In addition, morphological inspection demonstrates that the morphology of the aggregated form of Cya‐PDI molecules changed from plate‐shaped to rod‐like aggregates under the co‐effects of time and water. An edge‐to‐face arrangement of aggregation was proposed and discussed. The fact that the Cya‐PDI aggregates show a broad absorption covering the whole visible‐light range and strong intermolecular interaction through π–π stacking in the solid state makes them promising materials for optoelectric applications.     

A Zipper‐like Supramolecular Double‐Chain based on 1 D π‐π Stacking Interactions: Synthesis and Crystal Structure of [Cu(phen)(C4H4O4)(H2O)]2 · C4H6O4 (phen = 1,10‐phenanthroline)

[Cu(C₁₂H₈N₂)(C₄H₄O₄)(H₂O)]₂ · C₄H₆O₄ was prepared by the reaction of succinic acid, CuCl₂ · 2 H₂O, 1,10‐phenanthroline (phen = C₁₂H₈N₂), and Na₂CO₃ in a CH₃OH–H₂O solution. The crystal structure (triclinic, P 1 (no. 2), a = 7.493(1), b = 9.758(1), c = 13.517(1) Å; α = 68.89(1)°, β = 88.89(1)°, γ = 73.32(1)°, Z = 1, R = 0.0308, wR² = 0.0799 for 3530 observed reflections (F ≥ 2σ(F ) out of 3946 unique reflections) consists of hydrogen bonded succinic acid molecules and succinato bridged 1 D zipperlike supramolecular [Cu(phen)(C₄H₄O₄)_2/2(H₂O)]₂ double chains based on 1 D π‐π stacking interactions between the chelating phen systems at distances of 3.71 Å and 3.79 Å. The Cu atoms are fivefold trigonal bipyramidally coordinated by two N atoms of the bidentate chelating phen ligand and three O atoms of one water molecule and two bidentate bridging succinate ligands. The water O atom and one phen N atom are at the apical positions (equatorial: d(Cu–O) = 1.945, 2.254(2) Å, d(Cu–N) = 2.034(2) Å; axial: d(Cu–O) = 1.971(2) Å, d(Cu–N) = 1.995 Å).     

A novel dinuclear bismuth(III) coordination compound: bis(μ‐pyridine‐2,6‐dicarboxylato)‐κ4O2,N,O6:O6′;κ4O2:O2′,N,O6‐bis[(azido‐κN)(1,10‐phenanthroline‐κ2N,N′)bismuth(III)] tetrahydrate

A novel dinuclear bismuth(III) coordination compound, [Bi₂(C₇H₃NO₄)₂(N₃)₂(C₁₂H₈N₂)₂]·4H₂O, has been synthesized by an ionothermal method and characterized by elemental analysis, energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy, IR, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy and single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. The molecular structure consists of one centrosymmetric dinuclear neutral fragment and four water molecules. Within the dinuclear fragment, each Bi^III centre is seven‐coordinated by three O atoms and four N atoms. The coordination geometry of each Bi^III atom is distorted pentagonal–bipyramidal (BiO₃N₄), with one azide N atom and one bridging carboxylate O atom located in axial positions. The carboxylate O atoms and water molecules are assembled via O—H...O hydrogen bonds, resulting in the formation of a three‐dimensional supramolecular structure. Two types of π–π stacking interactions are found, with centroid‐to‐centroid distances of 3.461 (4) and 3.641 (4) Å.     

Tuning the π‐π stacking distance and J‐aggregation of DPP‐based conjugated polymer via introducing insulating polymer

The close π–π stacking and the high J‐aggregation during the formation of fibrillar morphology in films of the poly[[2,5‐bis(2‐octyldodecyl)?2,3,5,6‐tetrahydro‐3,6‐dioxopyrrolo[3,4‐c]pyrrole‐1,4‐diyl]‐alt–[[2,2′‐(2,5‐thiophene)bis‐thieno[3,2‐b]thiophen]‐5,5′‐diyl]] (PDPPTT‐T) are demonstrated via blending with polystyrene (PS). The hydrodynamic radius (R_h) of PDPPTT‐T is decreased from 16.7 nm in the neat solution to 12.7 nm in the blend solution at the ratio of 1/20(PDPPTT‐T/PS). This phenomenon suggests that blending PS is beneficial for the disentanglement of PDPPTT‐T. The disentanglement of PDPPTT‐T facilitates the formation of fibrillar morphology. The growth of the fibrils occurs along the molecular backbones and the width of the fibrils is parallel to the π–π stacking direction. The disentanglement of PDPPTT‐T helps the molecules adjust conformation to improve J‐aggregation and decrease the π–π stacking distance. The maximum absorption is red‐shifted from 825 nm to 849 nm and the relative intensity of J‐aggregation (the 0‐0/0‐1 ratio) is increased from 1.19 to 1.60. The π–π stacking distance decreases from 3.57 to 3.52 Å. The charge‐carrier mobility will be improved in the fibrillar morphology with close π–π stacking and high J‐aggregation. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys. 2016 , 54, 838–847