Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 22, 2025

Preparation and Reactivity of a Triphosphenium Bromide Salt: A Convenient and Stable Source of PhosphorusI
Published on: November 22, 2016
1,1'-Methyl-enebis(4,4'-bipyridin-1-ium) dibromide
Sara A Schuster1, Volodymyr V Nesterov2, Bradley W Smucker1
1Austin College, 900 N Grand, Sherman, TX 75090, USA.
This study reveals the crystal structure of a C21H18N4 salt, detailing how chevron-shaped cations form columns stabilized by hydrogen bonds and π-π interactions. Bromide ions are integrated within this structure.
Area of Science:
- Crystallography
- Supramolecular Chemistry
Background:
- Understanding the self-assembly of organic molecules is crucial in materials science.
- Crystal engineering aims to design materials with specific properties based on molecular structure.
Purpose of the Study:
- To elucidate the crystal structure of the title salt (C21H18N4 2+·2Br−).
- To investigate the intermolecular interactions governing the solid-state packing.
Main Methods:
- Single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis was employed.
- Structural characterization focused on the arrangement of cations and anions.
Main Results:
- The asymmetric unit contains half of the organic cation and a bromide anion.
- Chevron-shaped cations form columnar assemblies along the [001] direction.
- Interactions include π-π stacking between cations and C-H⋯N hydrogen bonds involving bromide ions.
Conclusions:
- The crystal packing is dictated by a combination of π-π stacking and hydrogen bonding.
- The structure provides insights into the supramolecular organization of organic salts.
More Related Videos
06:44From Molecules to Materials: Engineering New Ionic Liquid Crystals Through Halogen Bonding
Published on: March 24, 2018
09:45Accessing Valuable Ligand Supports for Transition Metals: A Modified, Intermediate Scale Preparation of 1,2,3,4,5-Pentamethylcyclopentadiene
Published on: March 20, 2017
Related Concept Videos
Electrophilic 1,2- and 1,4-Addition of X2 to 1,3-Butadiene
Halogenation of Alkenes
Consider the bromination of cyclopentene. Molecular bromine is polarized in the proximity of the π electrons of cyclopentene. An electrophilic bromine atom adds across the double bond, forming a cyclic bromonium ion intermediate.
Electrophilic 1,2- and 1,4-Addition of HX to 1,3-Butadiene
Benzene to 1,4-Cyclohexadiene: Birch Reduction Mechanism
Electrophilic Aromatic Substitution: Fluorination and Iodination of Benzene
Radical Substitution: Allylic Bromination