Non-classical hydrogen bond (CH∙∙∙I) directed self-assembly formation of a novel 1D supramolecular polymer, based on a copper complex [Cu{(CH3)2SO}6]I4

•A novel supramolecular polymer with formula [Cu{(CH3)2SO}6]I4 has been synthesized.•The cationic units are connected through self-assembly process with iodide anions.•The linear and centrosymmetric polyiodide anion is a rare example of a tetraiodide.

The structure of the new complex with molecular formula [Cu{(CH3)2SO}6]I4, has been determined. The compound comprises discrete [Cu{(CH3)2SO}6]2 + units connected through a self-assembly process with a linear arrangement of polyiodide I2n + 22 −, driven by non-classical hydrogen bonds CH∙∙∙I. The polyiodide chain presents a neutral I2 molecule weakly coordinated with two iodide anions. The linear, uncoordinated, centrosymmetric polyiodide anion represents a rare example of a tetraiodide.

Graphical abstractA novel supramolecular polymer has been synthesized. The compound comprises discrete [Cu{(CH3)2SO}6]2 + units connected through a self-assembly process with a linear arrangement of polyiodide I2n + 22 −, driven by non-classical hydrogen bonds CH∙∙∙I.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slide