[N−I−N] Type Halogen Bonding: Structure, Synthesis and Applications

Graphical Abstract

[N−I−N] type halogen bonds have gradually attracted much attention. This concept summarizes the structure, classification, synthesis, and application of [N−I−N] type halogen bonds. The challenges in this field were identified and its development prospects are also discussed.

Abstract

Halogen bond has received widespread attention in recent years due to the vast applications in supramolecular chemistry, sensing and crystal engineering. In contrast to the normal halogen bonds, [N−I−N] type halogen bond exhibits enhanced strength and solvent resistance capabilities. It adopts a bonding geometry of the three-center four-electron bond, where the nitrogen can be a neutral, positive, or negative species such as pyridine, saccharin, and urotropine moieties. The emerging new type halogen bond has found specific potentials in constructing supramolecular architectures and catalysis. This concept provides a brief summary based on recent developments of [N−I−N] type halogen bonding, reviewing and summarizing its synthesis, structure and application.