Self-Assembly of Complementary Components Using a Tripodal Bismuth Compound: Pnictogen Bonding or Coordination Chemistry?
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Updated: Oct 27, 2025

Synthesis of Information-bearing Peptoids and their Sequence-directed Dynamic Covalent Self-assembly
Published on: February 6, 2020
Shiva Moaven1, Brandon T Watson1, Thomas J Polaske2
1Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Texas Tech University, 1204 Boston Avenue, Lubbock, Texas 79409-1061, United States.
Abstract:
Triple pnictogen bonding refers to the ability of a pnictogen atom to engage in three simultaneous pnictogen bonds (PnBs) to a complementary partner through a single pnictogen atom. This supramolecular strategy was recently introduced as a unique facet of pnictogen bonding as compared to other named supramolecular interactions. Here, the ability of bismuth to participate in this phenomenon is demonstrated using Bi((NC9H7)3CH3). The study reveals that Bi engages in stronger PnBs than the analogous Sb system. The results have been contrasted with Bi systems that form strong coordination bonds, and analysis of the electron density along the bond path reveals key differences. The solution behavior of these newly synthesized supramolecules were studied by PFGSE NMR spectroscopy and they are found to remain intact in solution. Molecular design strategies that allow for triple pnictogen bonding should find use in the fields of molecular recognition and crystal engineering.
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