Robust H-bonding self-assembly of complementary picric acid and imidoformamide-containing components

Abstract

A new highly robust hydrogen-bonding motif was identified in a series of supramolecular architectures obtained from melamine and other imidoformamide-containing compounds together with picric acid. These structures were readily obtained at room temperature from DMSO solutions and were characterised by single-crystal X-ray crystallography. In all cases, the crystal structure is based on a highly robust zigzag hydrogen bonding motif comprised of successive (6), (6) and (6) hydrogen bond rings. The strength and versatility of this hydrogen-bonded motif provide a useful addition to the supramolecular chemists toolbox.

Keywords:

• H-bonding
• self-assembly
• molecular recognition