Tetrameric and Dimeric [N∙∙∙I+∙∙∙N] Halogen-Bonded Supramolecular Cages

Abstract

Tripodal N‐donor ligands are used to form halogen‐bonded assemblies via structurally analogous Ag+‐complexes. Selective formation of discrete tetrameric I6L4 and dimeric I3L2 halonium cages, wherein multiple [N⋅⋅⋅I+⋅⋅⋅N] halogen bonds are used in concert, can be achieved by using sterically rigidified cationic tris(1‐methyl‐1‐azonia‐4‐azabicyclo[2.2.2]octane)‐mesitylene ligand, L1(PF6)3, and flexible ligand 1,3,5‐tris(imidazole‐1‐ylmethyl)‐2,4,6‐trimethylbenzene, L2, respectively. The iodonium cages, I6L14(PF6)18 and I3L22(PF6)3, were obtained through the [N⋅⋅⋅Ag+⋅⋅⋅N]→ [N⋅⋅⋅I+⋅⋅⋅N] cation exchange reaction between the corresponding Ag6L14(PF6)18 and Ag3L22(PF6)3 coordination cages, prepared as intermediates, and I2. The synthesized metallo‐ and halonium cages were studied in solution by NMR, in gas phase by ESI‐MS and in the solid‐state by single crystal X‐ray diffraction.