Self-assembly of [UO2X4]2− (X=Cl, Br) dianions with γ substituted pyridinium cations: Structural systematics and fluorescence properties

Room temperature self-assembly of [UO2X4]2− (X=Cl, Br) with γ substituted pyridinium cations has resulted in the formation of twelve compounds that were studied via single crystal X-ray diffraction and fluorescence spectroscopy. Systematic variation of electron donating groups on the pyridinium species is shown to influence the presence and/or strength of various supramolecular synthons, including hydrogen bonding and pi interactions. Combinations of such non-covalent interactions (NCIs) have given rise to a range of supramolecular assemblies, and are shown to influence uranyl emission by way of second sphere coordination to equatorial ligands.

Graphical abstractSupramolecular assembly of the [UO2Cl4]2− dianion with pyridinium cations is a viable synthetic route to the growth of uranyl containing single crystals.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slide