Comparative Structural Study of Three Tetrahalophthalic Anhydrides: Recognition of X•••O(anhydride) Halogen Bond and πh•••O(anhydride) Interaction

Structures of three tetrahalophthalic anhydrides (TXPA: halogen = Cl (TCPA), Br (TBPA), I (TIPA)) were studied by X-ray diffraction, and several types of halogen bonds (HaB) and lone pair center dot center dot center dot pi-hole (lp center dot center dot center dot pi h) contacts were revealed in their structures. HaBs involving the central oxygen atom of anhydride group (further X center dot center dot center dot O(anhydride) were recognized in the structures of TCPA and TBPA. In contrast, for the O(anhydride) atom of TIPA, only interactions with the pi system (pi-hole) of the anhydride ring (further lp(O)center dot center dot center dot pi h) were observed. Computational studies by a number of theoretical methods (molecular electrostatic potentials, the quantum theory of atoms in molecules, the independent gradient model, natural bond orbital analyses, the electron density difference, and symmetry-adapted perturbation theory) demonstrated that the X center dot center dot center dot O(anhydride) contacts in TCPA and TBPA and lp(O)center dot center dot center dot pi h in TIPA are caused by the packing effect. The supramolecular architecture of isostructural TCPA and TBPA was mainly affected by X center dot center dot center dot O(acyl) and X center dot center dot center dot X HaBs, and, for TIPA, the main contribution provided I center dot center dot center dot I HaBs.

Automated summary

Structures of three tetrahalophthalic anhydrides (TXPA: halogen = Cl (TCPA), Br (TBPA), I (TIPA)) were studied by X-ray diffraction, revealing various types of halogen bonds and lone pair center-dot-pi-hole contacts. Computational studies showed that these contacts are caused by the packing effect.