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Updated: Jun 9, 2026

From Molecules to Materials: Engineering New Ionic Liquid Crystals Through Halogen Bonding
Published on: March 24, 2018
Halogen bonding: a general route in anion recognition and coordination
Gabriella Cavallo1, Pierangelo Metrangolo, Tullio Pilati
1NFMLab-DCMIC G. Natta; Politecnico di Milano, 7, via Mancinelli, I-20131 Milan, Italy.
Halocarbons act as effective anion binding sites through halogen bonding, a noncovalent interaction. This review details how chloro-, bromo-, and iodocarbons coordinate various anions, forming diverse supramolecular structures.
Area of Science:
- Supramolecular Chemistry
- Organic Chemistry
- Crystal Engineering
Background:
- Halogen bonding is a key noncovalent interaction.
- Halocarbons can act as halogen bond donors.
- Anion recognition is crucial in chemistry and biology.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the role of halogen bonding in anion binding by halocarbons.
- To highlight the coordination of oxyanions and other anions.
- To identify principles for designing halogen bonding-based receptors.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of halogen bonding interactions.
- Analysis of supramolecular structures formed by halocarbons and anions.
- Discussion of specific examples of anion coordination.
Main Results:
- Halocarbons effectively bind a wide range of anions, including oxyanions, halides, and polyoxometallates.
- Formation of discrete adducts and 1D, 2D, or 3D supramolecular networks.
- Identification of new supramolecular synthons and design principles for receptors.
Conclusions:
- Halogen bonding provides a versatile platform for anion recognition and self-assembly.
- Halocarbons are valuable building blocks for constructing complex supramolecular architectures.
- This interaction facilitates the design of selective anion receptors.
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