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Updated: Mar 17, 2026
From Molecules to Materials: Engineering New Ionic Liquid Crystals Through Halogen Bonding
Published on: March 24, 2018
A Halogen-Bond-Induced Triple Helicate Encapsulates Iodide.
Casey J Massena1, Nicholas B Wageling1, Daniel A Decato1
1Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Montana, 32 Campus Dr, Missoula, MT, 59812, USA.
Researchers created the first triple helicate structure capable of encapsulating iodide ions. This stable, tubular anion channel self-assembles from three strands, utilizing halogen bonding for enhanced stability.
Area of Science:
- Supramolecular Chemistry
- Crystal Engineering
Background:
- Achieving self-assembly of higher-order anion helicates in solution is challenging.
- Anion binding and recognition are crucial in chemical and biological systems.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report the first triple helicate structure capable of encapsulating iodide.
- To explore the self-assembly of multi-strand anion helicates using halogen bonding.
Main Methods:
- Self-assembly of tricationic arylethynyl strands.
- Characterization in organic media, aqueous media, and the solid state.
- Analysis of halogen bonding interactions and structural stability.
Main Results:
- Successfully synthesized and characterized the first triple helicate encapsulating iodide.
- The triple helicate functions as a tubular anion channel with nine halogen bond donors.
- High stability was observed due to eight strong iodine-iodide halogen bonds and buried π-surfaces, even at elevated temperatures.
Conclusions:
- The stringent linearity of halogen bonding is key for synthesizing multi-strand anion helicates.
- The natural helical structure of single strands can be overcome to achieve convergent halogen bond donors.
- This work provides a new platform for anion encapsulation and recognition.
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