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Chalcogen bonds (ChB) are moderately strong, directional, and specific non‐covalent interactions that have garnered substantial interest over the last decades. Specifically, the presence of two σ‐holes offers great potential for crystal engineering, catalysis, biochemistry, and molecular sensing. However, ChB applications are currently hampered by a lack of methods to characterize and control chalcogen bonds. Here, we report on the influence of various substituents (halogens, cyano, and methyl groups) on the observed self‐complementary ChB networks of 2,1,3‐benzoselenadiazoles. From molecular electrostatic potential calculations, we show that the electrostatic surface potentials (ESP) of the σ‐holes on selenium are largely influenced by the electron‐withdrawing character of these substituents. Structural analyses via X‐ray diffraction reveal a variety of ChB geometries and binding modes that are rationalized via the computed ESP maps, although the structure of 5,6‐dimethyl‐2,1,3‐benzoselenadiazole also demonstrates the influence of steric interactions. 77Se solid‐state magic‐angle spinning NMR spectroscopy, in particular the analysis of the selenium chemical shift tensors, is found to be an effective probe able to characterize both structural and electrostatic features of these self‐complementary ChB systems. We find a positive correlation between the value of the ESP maxima at the σ‐holes and the experimentally measured 77Se isotropic chemical shift, while the skew of the chemical shift tensor is established as a metric which is reflective of the ChB binding motif. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Macrocycle formation that relies upon trans metal coordination of appropriately placed pyridine ligands within an arylene ethynylene construct provides rapid and reliable access to molecular rotators encapsulated within macrocyclic stators. Showing no significant close contacts to the central rotators, X‐ray crystallography of AgI‐coordinated macrocycles provides plausibility for unobstructed rotation or wobbling of rotators within the central cavity. Solid‐state 13C NMR of PdII‐coordinated macrocycles supports the notion of unobstructed movement of simple arenes in the crystal lattice. Solution 1H NMR studies indicate complete and immediate macrocycle formation upon the introduction of PdII to the pyridyl‐based ligand at room temperature. Moreover, the formed macrocycle is stable in solution; a lack of significant changes in the 1H NMR spectrum upon cooling to −50 °C is consistent with the absence of dynamic behavior. The synthetic route to these macrocycles is expedient and modular, providing access to rather complex constructs in four simple steps involving Sonogashira coupling and deprotection reactions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coordinatively unsaturated FeIII metal sites were successfully incorporated into the iconic MOF-5 framework. This new structure, FeIII-iMOF-5, is the first example of an interpenetrated MOF linked through intercalated metal ions. Structural characterization was performed with single-crystal and powder XRD, followed by extensive analysis by spectroscopic methods and solid-state NMR, which reveals the paramagnetic ion through its interaction with the framework. EPR and Mössbauer spectroscopy confirmed that the intercalated ions were indeed FeIII, whereas DFT calculations were employed to ascertain the unique pentacoordinate architecture around the FeIII ion. Interestingly, this is also the first crystallographic evidence of pentacoordinate ZnII within the MOF-5 SBU. This new MOF structure displays the potential for metal-site addition as a framework connector, thus creating further opportunity for the innovative development of new MOF materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Direct insight into the elusive nature of multiple bonding between gallium atoms in molecular solids is obtained with ultrahigh ‐ field two ‐ dimensional 71Ga NMR spectroscopy. The gallium – gallium J couplings offer a novel perspective on the electronic structure of these bonds, and the intriguing results are discussed in the context of analogous data for carbon−carbon and boron−boron spin pairs. Cover designed by L. Kobera; background photograph courtesy of V. Terskikh. More information can be found in the Full Paper by D. L. Bryce et al. on page 9565 ff. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]