Cooperative effects in FH/Li⋯HCCX⋯OH2 complexes (X=F, Cl, Br, H)

The dimers with general formula FH/FLi⋯HCCX and HCCX⋯OH2, and the trimers FH⋯HCCX⋯OH2 (X=F, Cl, Br, H), were optimized computationally to stable structures. These model systems derive their strength from a combination of H⋯π (or Li⋯π) electrostatic interactions in the T-shaped FH/FLi⋯HCCX dimers and halogen bonding between the X and the O atom of H2O (or CH⋯O hydrogen-bonding in HCCH complexes). These cooperative interactions in the trimer clusters yield a non-additive energy which enhances the stability by between 7% and 10%. The variation in the interaction energies, as well as other selected properties, for different X is rationalized and discussed.