Cation-π interaction of the univalent silver cation with racemic [6]helicene in the gas phase and in the solid state

Employing electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS), it was proven experimentally that the [6]helicene - Ag+ complex (i.e., [Ag(C26H16)](+)) exists in the gas phase. Further, applying quantum mechanical DFT calculations, the most probable structure of this cationic complex [Ag(C26H16)](+) was derived. Finally, in the solid state, the complex [6]helicene - silver hexafluoroantimonate - monohydrate (i.e., C26H16 - AgSbF6 - H2O), crystallizing in the monoclinic system with the centrosymmetric space group P2(1)/c, was prepared and analyzed by X-ray crystallography. (C) 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.