Crystal structure of hydrates of imidazolium salts

Single crystal X-ray structures of three imidazolium salts were examined. In contrast to imidazolium salt 1 possessing an ester group which created a network of CH⋯halide–anion interactions with a linear array of imidazolium and the corresponding counter anions, unique network structures were observed in imidazolium salts 2 and 3 with long alkyl chains and with carboxy moieties, respectively. Water molecules were incorporated in their H-bonding networks. Water molecules were wedged into the two neighboring halide anions to create square units which acted as a bridge to connect the two adjacent CH⋯halide–anion networks of imidazolium moieties and counter anions.

► Crystal structures of hydrates of imidazolium salts were examined.
► Water molecules were wedged into the two neighboring halide anions.
► Square unit created by halide anions and water molecules is acted as a bridge to create H-bonding network.