Dimensional and Optoelectronic Tuning of Lead-free Perovskite Cs3Bi2I9−nBrn Single Crystals for Enhanced Hard X-ray Detection

Inorganic Bi-based perovskites have shown great potential in X-ray detection for their large absorption to X-rays, diverse low-dimensional structures, and eco-friendliness without toxic metals. However, they suffer from poor carrier transport properties compared to Pb-based perovskites. Here, we propose a mixed-halogen strategy to tune the structural dimensions and optoelectronic properties of Cs₃Bi₂I_9−nBr_n (0≤n≤9). Ten centimeter-sized single crystals are successfully grown by the Bridgman technique. Upon doping bromine to zero-dimensional Cs₃Bi₂I₉, the crystal transforms into a two-dimensional structure as the bromine content reaches Cs₃Bi₂I₈Br. Correspondingly, the optoelectronic properties are adjusted. Among these crystals, Cs₃Bi₂I₈Br exhibits negligible ion migration, moderate resistivity, and the best carrier transport capability. The sensitivities in 100 keV hard X-ray detection are 1.33×10⁴ and 1.74×10⁴ μC Gy_air⁻¹ cm⁻² at room temperature and 75 °C, respectively, which are the highest among all reported bismuth perovskites. Moreover, the lowest detection limit of 28.6 nGy_air s⁻¹ and ultralow dark current drift of 9.12×10⁻⁹ nA cm⁻¹ s⁻¹ V⁻¹ are obtained owing to the high ionic activation energy. Our work demonstrates that Br incorporation is an effective strategy to enhance the X-ray detection performance by tuning the dimensional and optoelectronic properties.     

Ferroelectric Polarization Modulated Facet-selective Charge Separation in Bi4NbO8Cl Single Crystal for Boosting Visible-light Driven Bifunctional Water Splitting

Developing bifunctional water-splitting photocatalysts is meaningful, but challenged by the harsh requirements of specific-facet single crystals with spatially separated reactive sites and anisotropic charge transfer paths contributed by well-built charge driving force. Herein, tunable ferroelectric polarization is introduced in Bi₄NbO₈Cl single crystal nanosheets to strengthen the orthogonal charge transfer channels. By manipulating the in-plane polarization from octahedral off-centering of Nb⁵⁺ and out-of-plane polarization from lone pair electron effect of anisotropic Bi³⁺, both the fast charge recombination in bulk catalyst and the process of charge trapping into surface states can be effectively modulated. Collaborating with modest polarization electric field and facet junction induced built-in electric field, cooperative charge tractive force is constructed, which reinforces the spatial separation and migration of photogenerated electrons and holes to {110} reductive site facet and {001} oxidation site facet, respectively. While excessive polarization charges impair the facet-selective charge separation characteristics and conversely promote charge recombination on the surface. As a result, polarity-optimized Bi₄NbO₈Cl shows an excellent H₂ and O₂ evolution rate of 54.21 and 36.08 μmol ⋅ h⁻¹ in the presence of sacrificial reagents under visible light irradiation. This work unveils the function of ferroelectric polarization in tuning the intrinsic facet-selective charge transfer process of photocatalysts.     

Achiral Au(I) Cyclic Trinuclear Complexes with High-Efficiency Circularly Polarized Near-Infrared TADF

Realizing high photoluminescence quantum yield (PLQY) in the near-infrared (NIR) region is challenging and valuable for luminescent material, especially for thermally activated delay fluorescence (TADF) material. In this work, we report two achiral cyclic trinuclear Au(I) complexes, Au₃(4-Clpyrazolate)₃ and Au₃(4-Brpyrazolate)₃ (denoted as Cl−Au and Br−Au) , obtained through the reaction of 4-chloro-1H-pyrazole and 4-bromo-1H-pyrazole with Au(I) salts, respectively. Both Cl−Au and Br−Au exhibit TADF with high PLQY (>70 %) in the NIR I (700–900 nm) (λ_max = 720 nm) region, exceeding other NIR−TADF emitters in the solid state. Photophysical experiments and theoretical calculations confirmed the efficient NIR−TADF properties of Cl−Au and Br−Au were attributed to the small energy gap ΔE_(S1-T2) (S = singlet, T = triplet) and the large spin-orbital coupling induced by ligand-to-metal-metal charge transfer of molecular aggregations. In addition, both complexes crystallize in the achiral Pna2₁ space group (mm2 point group) and are circularly polarized light (CPL) active with maxima luminescent dissymmetry factor |g_lum| of 3.4 × 10⁻³ ( Cl−Au ) and 2.7 × 10⁻³ ( Br−Au ) for their crystalline powder samples, respectively. By using Cl−Au as the emitting ink, 3D-printed luminescent logos are fabricated, which own anti-counterfeiting functions due to its CPL behavior dependent on the crystallinity.     

Bismuth–Boron Multiple Bonding in BiB2O− and Bi2B−

Despite its electron deficiency, boron is versatile in forming multiple bonds. Transition‐metal–boron double bonding is known, but boron–metal triple bonds have been elusive. Two bismuth boron cluster anions, BiB₂O⁻ and Bi₂B⁻, containing triple and double B−Bi bonds are presented. The BiB₂O⁻ and Bi₂B⁻ clusters are produced by laser vaporization of a mixed B/Bi target and characterized by photoelectron spectroscopy and ab initio calculations. Well‐resolved photoelectron spectra are obtained and interpreted with the help of ab initio calculations, which show that both species are linear. Chemical bonding analyses reveal that Bi forms triple and double bonds with boron in BiB₂O⁻ ([Bi≡B−B≡O]⁻) and Bi₂B⁻ ([Bi=B=Bi]⁻), respectively. The Bi−B double and triple bond strengths are calculated to be 3.21 and 4.70 eV, respectively. This is the first experimental observation of Bi−B double and triple bonds, opening the door to design main‐group metal–boron complexes with multiple bonding.     

Lead-free Perovskite Materials (NH4)3Sb2IxBr9−x

A family of perovskite light absorbers (NH₄)₃Sb₂I_xBr_9−x (0≤x≤9) was prepared. These materials show good solubility in ethanol, a low-cost, hypotoxic, and environmentally friendly solvent. The light absorption of (NH₄)₃Sb₂I_xBr_9−x films can be tuned by adjusting I and Br content. The absorption onset for (NH₄)₃Sb₂I_xBr_9−x films changes from 558 nm to 453 nm as x changes from 9 to 0. (NH₄)₃Sb₂I₉ single crystals were prepared, exhibiting a hole mobility of 4.8 cm² V⁻¹ s⁻¹ and an electron mobility of 12.3 cm² V⁻¹ s⁻¹. (NH₄)₃Sb₂I₉ solar cells gave an open-circuit voltage of 1.03 V and a power conversion efficiency of 0.51 %.     

In-situ construction of amorphous/crystalline contact Bi2S3/Bi4O7 heterostructures for enhanced visible-light photocatalysis

Constructing a heterojunction photocatalyst is a significant method to enhance photocatalytic activity because it can promote the separation of photogenerated carriers. Herein, amorphous/crystalline contact Bi₂S₃/Bi₄O₇ heterostructure was successfully synthesized by in-situ sulfidation of Bi₄O₇. The amorphous Bi₂S₃ is diffused on the surface of Bi₄O₇ rod, enhancing the visible light response and improving the transport of photogenerated carriers. Various characterizations confirm that the rapid separation of photogenerated carriers leads to increased photocatalytic performance. The optimized Bi₂S₃/Bi₄O₇ heterostructure photocatalyst (BiS-0.15) exhibits the highest Cr(VI) reduction (0.01350 min⁻¹) and RhB oxidation (0.08011 min⁻¹) activity, which is much higher than that of pure Bi₄O₇ and Bi₂S₃/Bi₄O₇ mixture under visible light irradiation. This work provides new insights into the construction of efficient novel photocatalysts.     

Cobalt Cyclopentadienyl-Phosphine Dinitrogen Complexes

By applying the potassium salts of cyclopentadienyl-phosphine ligands LK to CoCl₂, the corresponding cobalt chlorides ( 1 , L Co^IICl) were prepared. By reducing complexes 1 with KHBEt₃ under a N₂ atmosphere, bridging end-on complexes, L Co^I−N₂−Co^I L ( 2 a and 2 b ), were successfully obtained. ¹⁵N₂-labeled [¹⁵N₂]- 2 a was prepared under ¹⁵N₂/¹⁴N₂ exchange in THF solution. L Co^I−N₂−Co^I L complex 2 a could react with P₄ molecules to release N₂ and generate a Co−P₄−Co moiety 4 . Further reduction of complex 2 b led to cleavage of a P−C bond in the cyclopentadienyl-phosphine ligand to provide novel μ-PCy₂-bridged Co⁰−N₂ complex 5 . DFT calculations confirmed the experimental observations.     

Construction of Ternary Iodine–Bromine–Chlorine Octahalides

A series of five ternary octanuclear iodine-bromine-chlorine interhalides, [I₂Br₂Cl₄]²⁻ ( 1 ), [I₃BrCl₄]²⁻ ( 2 ), [I₄Br₂Cl₂]²⁻ ( 3 ), [I₂Br₄Cl₂]²⁻ ( 4 ) and [I₃Br₃Cl₂]²⁻ ( 5 ), have been rationally constructed in two steps. Firstly, addition of a dihalogen (ICl or IBr) to the triaminocyclopropenium chloride salt [C₃(NEt₂)₃]Cl forms the corresponding trihalide salt with [ICl₂]⁻ or [BrICl]⁻ anions, respectively. Secondly, addition of a half-equivalent of a second dihalogen, followed by crystallization at low temperature, gives the corresponding octahalide: addition of Br₂ and IBr to [ICl₂]⁻ gives 1 and 2 , respectively, whereas addition of I₂, Br₂ and IBr to [BrICl]⁻ gives 3 , 4 and 5 , respectively. The five octahalides were characterized by X-ray crystallography and far–IR spectroscopy.     

Capture of Gaseous Iodine in Isoreticular Zirconium-Based UiO-n Metal-Organic Frameworks: Influence of Amino Functionalization,DFT Calculations,Raman and EPR Spectroscopic Investigation

A series of Zr-based UiO-n MOF materials (n=66, 67, 68) have been studied for iodine capture. Gaseous iodine adsorption was collected kinetically from a home-made set-up allowing the continuous measurement of iodine content trapped within UiO-n compounds, with organic functionalities (−H, −CH₃, −Cl, −Br, −(OH)₂, −NO₂, −NH₂, (−NH₂)₂, −CH₂ NH₂) by in-situ UV-Vis spectroscopy. This study emphasizes the role of the amino groups attached to the aromatic rings of the ligands connecting the {Zr₆O₄(OH)₄} brick. In particular, the preferential interaction of iodine with lone-pair groups, such as amino functions, has been experimentally observed and is also based on DFT calculations. Indeed, higher iodine contents were systematically measured for amino-functionalized UiO-66 or UiO-67, compared to the pristine material (up to 1211 mg/g for UiO-67-(NH₂)₂). However, DFT calculations revealed the highest computed interaction energies for alkylamine groups (−CH₂NH₂) in UiO-67 (−128.5 kJ/mol for the octahedral cavity), and pointed out the influence of this specific functionality compared with that of an aromatic amine. The encapsulation of iodine within the pore system of UiO-n materials and their amino-derivatives has been analyzed by UV-Vis and Raman spectroscopy. We showed that a systematic conversion of molecular iodine (I₂) species into anionic I⁻ ones, stabilized as I⁻⋅⋅⋅I₂ or I₃⁻ complexes within the MOF cavities, occurs when I₂@UiO-n samples are left in ambient light.     

Bismuth-Oxide-Decorated Graphene Oxide Hybrids for Catalytic and Electrocatalytic Reduction of CO2

Global warming challenges are fueling the demand to develop an efficient catalytic system for the reduction of CO₂, which would contribute significantly to the control of climate change. Herein, as-synthesized bismuthoxide-decorated graphene oxide (Bi₂O₃@GO) was used as an electro/thermal catalyst for CO₂ reduction. Bi₂O₃@GO is found to be distributed uniformly, as confirmed by scanning electron and transmission electron microscopic analysis. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) pattern shows that the Bi₂O₃ has a β-phase with 23.4 m² g⁻¹ BET surface area. Significantly, the D and G bands from Raman spectroscopic analysis and their intensity ratio (I_D/I_G) reveal the increment in defective sites on GO after surface decoration. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopic (XPS) analysis shows clear signals for Bi, C, and O, along with their oxidation states. An ultra-low onset potential (−0.534 V vs. RHE) for the reduction of CO₂ on Bi₂O₃@GO is achieved. Furthermore, potential-dependent (−0.534, −0.734, and −0.934 vs. RHE) bulk electrolysis of CO₂ to formate provides Faradaic efficiencies (FE) of approximately 39.72, 61.48, and 83.00 %, respectively. Additionally, in time-dependent electrolysis at a potential of −0.934 versus RHE for 3 and 5 h, the observed FEs are around 84.20 % and 87.17 % respectively. This catalyst is also used for the thermal reduction of CO₂ to formate. It is shown that the thermal reduction provides a path for industrial applications, as this catalyst converts a large amount of CO₂ to formate (10 mm ).     

Synthesis and characterization of zirconium(IV) 4-amino, 3-hydroxy naphthalene sulfonate ion exchanger: Quantitative separation of mercury from numerous metal ions

Zirconium (IV) 4-amino, 3-hydroxy naphthalene sulfonate ion-exchanger has been synthesized by mixing equimolar solutions of zirconium oxychloride and ammonium hydroxide in molar ratio 1:1.66 to get a gelatinous material. To this were added varying amounts of 4-amino, 3-hydroxynaphthalene sulphonic acid (ANSA) with constant stiring in order to ensure a complete adsorption of organic molecules to the surface of the gel. The ion exchange material shows a dual character possessing both cation and anion exchange capacities. The former is attributed to the dissociation of strong sulphonic groups from ANSA and acidic sites of hydrous oxide gel, the later one is due to the formation of a positive charge on the nitrogen atom ; in addition, the material may have a sorption capacity. A preliminary investigation to characterize the material has been carried out which includes IR, TGA, DTA and X-ray diffraction. On the basis of distribution coefficients the separation of Hg⁺² from Zn²⁺, Al²⁺, Ni²⁺, Ce⁴⁺, Mg²⁺, Pb²⁺, Mn²⁺, Cu²⁺, has been achieved. The decreasing sequence of Kd values for different anionic species are found to be PO₄³⁻ > Fe (CN)₆³⁻ > MnO₄⁻ > VO₃⁻ > AsO₄³⁻ > C₂O₄²⁻ and for halides Cl⁻ > Br⁻ > I⁻.     

Crystalline Rhodium-Tin Complexes with Radical Trianion and Tetraanion Phthalocyanine Ligands: Observation of Nimine(Pc)−Rh Coordination Bond

Crystalline {Cryptand(Na⁺)}[(COD)Rh^ICl⋅Sn^II(Pc³⁻)]⁻⋅2C₆H₄Cl₂ ( 1 ) and {Cryptand(Cs⁺)}[(COD)Rh^I⋅Sn^II(Pc⁴⁻)]⁻⋅C₆H₅CH₃ ( 2 ) complexes were obtained via the interaction of [Sn^II(Pc³⁻)]⁻ and [Sn^II(Pc⁴⁻)]²⁻, respectively, with organometallic {(COD)RhCl}₂ dimer (COD is 1,5-cyclooctadiene). Dissociation of {(COD)RhCl}₂ followed by the Rh−Sn binding is observed at the formation of 1 . Elimination of the chlorine atom at the rhodium atom is observed in 2 , and rhodium is additionally coordinated to the imine nitrogen atom of Pc⁴⁻. The complexes contain mono- Pc⋅³⁻ and doubly reduced Pc⁴⁻ species, respectively, that is supported by the data of XRD analysis as well as optical and magnetic properties of 1 and 2 . There is an alternation of C-N_imine bonds in the macrocycles, which gradually increases with increasing negative charge on the macrocycle. The difference between shorter and longer bonds increases from 0.051 Å in Pc³⁻ to 0.075 Å in Pc⁴⁻. The formation of 1 is accompanied by an essential blue shift of the Q-band of starting SnPc and the appearance of a new intense band at 1031 nm. The even stronger shift of the Q-band is observed in the spectrum of 2 , but the band in the near-IR range becomes weaker. The value of effective magnetic moment of 1 is 1.76 μ_B at 300 K corresponding the contribution of the Pc³⁻ radical trianions (S=1/2). Only weak magnetic coupling with the Weise temperature of −3 K is observed in 1 due to weak π–π interaction between the macrocycles in the chains. Paramagnetic Pc³⁻ species additionally monitored by EPR spectroscopy show a strong temperature dependence of g-factor and linewidth of the EPR signal. Complex 2 is diamagnetic and EPR silent.     

Iodine Clathrated: A Solid-State Analogue of the Iodine–Starch Complex

Co-crystallizing iodine with a simple dicationic salt (1,8-diammoniumoctane chloride) results in the clathration of the iodine (I₂) molecules inside trigonal and hexagonal helical channels of the crystal lattice with 72 wt % overall I₂ loading. The I₂ inside the bigger trigonal channel forms a I−I⋅⋅⋅I−I⋅⋅⋅I−I halogen-bonded infinite helical chain, while the I₂ in the smaller hexagonal channel is disordered. In both channels the I₂ interaction with the channel wall happens through I−I⋅⋅⋅Cl⁻ halogen bonds. The helical channels in the crystal lattice are constructed via the strong charge-assisted H₂N⁺H⋅⋅⋅Cl⁻ hydrogen bonds between the dications and the chloride anions. The structure shows a marked similarity with the well-known starch–I₂ system, and thus may provide insight for the yet unresolved structure of the I₂ in the helical starch channel.     

Triangle Cl−Ag1−Cl Sites for Superior Photocatalytic Molecular Oxygen Activation and NO Oxidation of BiOCl

BiOCl photocatalysis shows great promise for molecular oxygen activation and NO oxidation, but its selective transformation of NO to immobilized nitrate without toxic NO₂ emission is still a great challenge, because of uncontrollable reaction intermediates and pathways. In this study, we demonstrate that the introduction of triangle Cl−Ag₁−Cl sites on a Cl-terminated, (001) facet-exposed BiOCl can selectively promote one-electron activation of reactant molecular oxygen to intermediate superoxide radicals (⋅O₂⁻), and also shift the adsorption configuration of product NO₃⁻ from the weak monodentate binding mode to a strong bidentate mode to avoid unfavorable photolysis. By simultaneously tuning intermediates and products, the Cl−Ag₁−Cl-landen BiOCl achieved >90 % NO conversion to favorable NO₃⁻ of high selectivity (>97 %) in 10 min under visible light, with the undesired NO₂ concentration below 20 ppb. Both the activity and the selectivity of Cl−Ag₁−Cl sites surpass those of BiOCl surface sites (38 % NO conversion, 67 % NO₃⁻ selectivity) or control O−Ag₁−O sites on a benchmark photocatalyst P25 (67 % NO conversion and 87 % NO₃⁻ selectivity). This study develops new single-atom sites for the performance enhancement of semiconductor photocatalysts, and also provides a facile pathway to manipulate the reactive oxygen species production for efficient pollutant removal.     

The thermodynamic characteristics of point defects and the mechanism of charge transfer in lanthanum cobaltite doped with strontium and nickel

The specific conductivity and thermal electromotive force (EMF) coefficient of lanthanum cobaltite doped with strontium and nickel La_0.9Sr_0.1Co_0.9Ni_0.1O_3−δ were measured over the temperature and pressure ranges 1023–1223 K and 10⁻⁶−1 atm. The oxide was found to exhibit metallic-type conductivity (800 Ω⁻¹ cm⁻¹ ≤ σ ≤ 1150 Ω⁻¹ cm⁻¹) and small positive thermal EMF coefficient values. A joint analysis of the thermodynamic characteristics of formation of point defects and external T and p _{O 2} parameter dependences of conductivity and thermal EMF showed that charge was transferred in the oxide by small-radius polarons according to the hopping mechanism. The role of polarons was played by electrons Me ^′_Co and holes Me ^•_Co localized on 3d transition metals. The isothermal dependences of the concentrations and mobilities of charge carriers on the degree of oxygen nonstoichiometry of the oxide studied were calculated.

     

Synthese und Kristallstruktur von Bi2ErO4I

Synthesis and Crystal Structure of Bi₂ErO₄I Bi₂ErO₄I was prepared by solid‐state reaction of stoichiometric mixture of BiOI, Bi₂O₃ and Er₂O₃. Bi₂ErO₄I is a new compound and the first bismuth rare earth oxide iodide. The crystal structure was determined by the Rietveldmethod (P4/mmm, a = 3,8896(6) Å, c = 9,554(2) Å, Z = 1). In this structure [M₃O₄]⁺‐layers are interleaved by single I^–‐layers. Er and Bi atoms of Bi₂ErO₄I are 8‐coordinated. The structure can be derived from the LiBi₃O₄Cl₂‐structure type.     

Infrared Spectra of the HAnX and H2AnX2 Molecules (An=Th and U,X=Cl and Br) in Argon Matrices Supported by Electronic Structure Calculations

Uranium and thorium hydrides are known as functional groups for ligand stabilized complexes and as isolated molecules under matrix isolation conditions. Here, the new molecular products of the reactions of laser-ablated U and Th atoms with HCl and with HBr, namely HUCl, HUBr and HThCl, HThBr, based on their mid and far infrared spectra in solid argon, are reported. The assignment of these species is based on the close agreement between observed and calculated vibrational frequencies. The H−U and U−³⁵Cl stretching modes of HUCl were observed at 1404.6 and 323.8 cm⁻¹, respectively. Using DCl instead to form DUCl gives absorption bands at 1003.1 and 314.7 cm⁻¹. The corresponding bands of HThCl are 1483.8 (H−Th) and 1058.0 (D −Th), as well as 340.3 and 335.8 cm⁻¹ (Th−³⁵Cl), respectively. HUBr is observed at 1410.6 cm⁻¹ and the BP86 computed shift from HUCl is 6.2 cm⁻¹ in excellent agreement. The U−H stretching frequency increases from 1383.1 (HUF), 1404.6 (HUCl), 1410.6 (HUBr) to 1423.6 cm⁻¹ (UH) as less electronic charge is removed from the U−H bond by the less electronegative substituent. These U−H stretching frequencies follow the Mayer bond orders calculated for the three HUX molecules. A similar trend is found for the Th counterparts. Additional absorptions are assigned to the H₂AnX₂ molecules (An=U, Th, X=Cl, Br) formed by the exothermic reaction of a second HX molecule with the above primary products.     

A three‐dimensional framework of bis­[tris­(ethyl­enediamine)zinc] tetra­iodo­cadmate diiodide assisted by N—H⋯I hydrogen bonds

The title salt, [Zn(C₂N₂H₈)₃]₂[CdI₄]I₂, conventionally abbreviated [Zn(en)₃]₂[CdI₄]I₂, where en is ethyl­enediamine, contains discrete [Zn(en)₃]²⁺ cations and [CdI₄]²⁻ anions with distorted octa­hedral and nearly tetra­hedral geometries, respectively, as well as uncoordinated I⁻ ions. The cation and the free I⁻ anion lie on twofold rotation axes and the [CdI₄]²⁻ anion lies on a axis in the space group I2d. The structure exhibits numerous weak inter‐ionic hydrogen bonds of two types, viz. N—H⋯I⁻(free ion) and N—H⋯I([CdI₄]²⁻), which support the resulting three‐dimensional framework.     

The Weak 3D Topological Insulator Bi12Rh3Sn3I9

Topological insulators (TIs) gained high interest due to their protected electronic surface states that allow dissipation-free electron and information transport. In consequence, TIs are recommended as materials for spintronics and quantum computing. Yet, the number of well-characterized TIs is rather limited. To contribute to this field of research, we focused on new bismuth-based subiodides and recently succeeded in synthesizing a new compound Bi₁₂Rh₃Sn₃I₉, which is structurally closely related to Bi₁₄Rh₃I₉ – a stable, layered material. In fact, Bi₁₄Rh₃I₉ is the first experimentally supported weak 3D TI. Both structures are composed of well-defined intermetallic layers of _∞²[(Bi₄Rh)₃I]²⁺ with topologically protected electronic edge-states. The fundamental difference between Bi₁₄Rh₃I₉ and Bi₁₂Rh₃Sn₃I₉ lies in the composition and the arrangement of the anionic spacer. While the intermetallic 2D TI layers in Bi₁₄Rh₃I₉ are isolated by _∞¹[Bi₂I₈]²⁻ chains, the isoelectronic substitution of bismuth(III) with tin(II) leads to _∞²[Sn₃I₈]²⁻ layers as anionic spacers. First transport experiments support the 2D character of this material class and revealed metallic conductivity.     

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.