Comparison of π-hole tetrel bonding with σ-hole halogen bonds in complexes of XCN (X = F, Cl, Br, I) and NH3

Authors

Steve Scheiner, Utah State UniversityFollow
Vincent de Paul Nziko, Utah State University

Document Type

Article

Journal/Book Title

Physical Chemistry Chemical Physics

Publication Date

1-2016

Publisher

Royal Society of Chemistry

Volume

18

Issue

5

First Page

3581

Last Page

3590

Abstract

In addition to the standard halogen bond formed when NH₃ approaches XCN (X=F,Cl,Br,I) along its molecular axis, a perpendicular approach is also possible, toward a π-hole that is present above the X-C bond. MP2/aug-cc-pVDZ calculations indicate the latter geometry is favored for X=F, and the σ-hole structure is preferred for the heavier halogens. The π-hole structure is stabilized by charge transfer from the NH₃ lone pair into the π*(CN) antibonding orbital, and is characterized by a bond path from the N of NH₃ to the C atom of XCN, a form of tetrel bond. The most stable 2:1 NH₃/XCN heterotrimer for X=F and Cl is cyclic and contains a tetrel bond augmented by a pair of NH∙∙N H-bonds. For X=Br and I, the favored trimer is noncyclic, stabilized by a tetrel and a halogen bond.

Recommended Citation

Scheiner, Steve and Nziko, Vincent de Paul, "Comparison of π-hole tetrel bonding with σ-hole halogen bonds in complexes of XCN (X = F, Cl, Br, I) and NH3" (2016). Chemistry and Biochemistry Faculty Publications. Paper 689.
https://digitalcommons.usu.edu/chem_facpub/689