Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 25, 2026

From Molecules to Materials: Engineering New Ionic Liquid Crystals Through Halogen Bonding
Published on: March 24, 2018
Balancing ionic and H-bonding interactions for the formation of Au(i) hydrometallogels
Daniel Blasco1, José M López-de-Luzuriaga, Miguel Monge
1Departamento de Química, Universidad de La Rioja, Centro de Investigación en Síntesis Química (CISQ), Complejo Científico Tecnológico, 26004 Logroño, Spain. josemaria.lopez@unirioja.es.
Abstract:
The ionic complex [Au(9N-adenine)(PMe3)](CF3CO2) (1) displays a supramolecular structure built up through ionic, π-stacking, C-HO, C-HN and C-HAu interactions. Ab initio calculations permit the characterization of the nature of these interactions. Complex 1 is luminescent in the solid state at 77 K. This complex forms a hydrometallogel consisting of straight molecular nanowires, which is responsive to thermal and mechanical stimuli. The gel has also been studied by rheological oscillatory experiments.
Related Concept Videos
Ionic Bonds
When atoms gain or lose electrons to achieve a more stable electron configuration they form ions. Ionic bonds are electrostatic attractions between ions with opposite charges. Ionic compounds are rigid and brittle when solid and may dissociate into their constituent ions in water. Covalent compounds, by contrast, remain intact unless a chemical reaction breaks them.
Opposing Charges Hold Ions Together in Ionic Compounds
Ionic bonds are reversible electrostatic interactions between ions...
Ionic Bonding and Electron Transfer
Bond Polarity, Dipole Moment, and Percent Ionic Character
Molecular and Ionic Solids
Molecular Solids
Molecular crystalline solids, such as ice, sucrose (table sugar), and iodine, are solids that are composed of neutral molecules as their constituent units. These molecules are held together by weak intermolecular forces such as London dispersion forces, dipole-dipole interactions, or hydrogen bonds, which...
Types of Chemical Bonds
Bonding in Metals

