Work

Supramolecular 3D Polymers Created via Chalcogen Bonding Using Benzotellurazoles as Planar Recognition Units

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: In addition to hydrogen and halogen bonds, chalcogen bonds (ChBs) are gaining significance in the domain of crystal engineering. Nitrogen-containing tellurium compounds are well-suited for this purpose, as they form a variety of solid-state structures through ChBs. Despite prior studies addressing substituent effects in benzotellurazoles, the influence of fluorine atoms on the benzene backbone of 1,3-benzotellurazoles remains to be investigated in the context of solid-state arrangement. Here, we demonstrate that the incorporation of fluorine atoms can impact the nature and quantity of ChBs in the solid state. The electron-withdrawing properties of the introduced substituents result in alterations to the ChB donor (Te) and acceptor (N) properties, leading to a preferential interaction with competing Lewis bases such as carbonyl groups. A noteworthy exception was noticed for the derivatives with a nitrile group at position 2. Regardless of the number of fluorine atoms, a high degree of 3D cross-linking can be observed via a 5-ChBs-5-neighbors motif, including a characteristic two-lone-pair/one-σ-hole interaction. These findings offer valuable design principles for supramolecular materials, particularly in the context of crystal engineering.

Source: Chemistry - A European Journal

DOI: 10.1002/chem.202502731

Authors: Jan Schulte, Saber Mehrparvar, Paul Kamminga, Christoph Wölper, Gebhard Haberhauer

Institution: University of Duisburg-Essen

Language: English

Topic: Crystallography and molecular interactions

Subfield: Physical and Theoretical Chemistry

Field: Chemistry

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $4,640

Funder: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft