Triprolidinium dipicrate

Area of Science:

• Crystallography
• Supramolecular Chemistry
• Organic Chemistry

Background:

• Tripodinium cations are organic compounds with potential applications in various chemical fields.
• Picrate anions are known for their energetic properties and ability to form salts with organic cations.
• Understanding the crystal structure of such compounds is crucial for predicting their physical and chemical properties.

Purpose of the Study:

• To elucidate the crystal structure of the title compound, 2-[(E)-1-(4-methyl-phen-yl)-3-(pyrrolidin-1-ium-1-yl)prop-1-en-yl]pyridinium bis-(2,4,6-trinitro-phenolate).
• To investigate the protonation states, hydrogen bonding, and intermolecular interactions within the crystal lattice.
• To analyze the conformational aspects of the tripodinium cation and the disorder in the picrate anions.

Main Methods:

• Single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis was employed to determine the molecular and crystal structure.
• Detailed analysis of bond lengths, bond angles, and intermolecular contacts was performed.
• Disorder modeling was applied to the nitro groups of the picrate anions.

Main Results:

• The crystal structure confirmed the presence of a dicationic tripodinium species and two picrate anions.
• Protonation of nitrogen atoms in both pyrrolidine and pyridinium rings was observed.
• Strong N-H⋯O hydrogen bonds and weak C-H⋯O and π-π interactions were identified as key intermolecular forces, with nitro group disorder noted.

Conclusions:

• The study provides a detailed structural characterization of a novel organic salt.
• The identified hydrogen bonding network and other intermolecular interactions are critical for the crystal packing and stability.
• The observed disorder in picrate anions offers insights into their dynamic behavior in the solid state.