First molecular self-assembly of 1,4-diiodo-tetrafluoro-benzene and a ketone via (O⋯I) non-covalent halogen bonds

4,4′-bis(dimethylamino)-benzophenone (1) is shown to self-assemble in the solid phase with 1,4-diiodo-tetrafluoro-benzene (TFDIB) to form the air stable compound 1 TFDIB. Single crystal X-ray analysis of this compound reveals a structure consisting of ribbon-like polymeric chains of alternating donor and acceptor molecules. The directing non-covalent halogen bond is characterised by a relatively long O⋯I distance of 3.097 Å and an O⋯I-C angle of 163.29°. These bond characteristics are due to the coordination of each carbonyl oxygen with two iodine atoms, resulting in a 'zigzag' geometry of the chains. Carbonyl derivatives can thus be considered as new tectons for the formation of hybrid perfluorocarbon-hydrocarbon crystalline materials.