Non-conventional hydrogen bonding and dispersion forces that support embedding mesitylgold into a tailored bis(amidine) framework.

A bis(amidine) ligand operates as a molecular lock for two AuMes fragments. The resulting complex retains a flexible double macrocycle with two non-conventional N-H⋯Cipso hydrogen bonds and distinct intramolecular dispersion forces. Instead of unfolding of the double-ring structure through bond rupture in solution, a conformational ring inversion is observed.

Ethylene-Bridged Hexadentate Bis(amidines) and Bis(amidinates) with Variable Binding Sites.

Hexadentate bis(amidines) form versatile networks of hydrogen bonds both in solid state and solution, as revealed by X-ray crystallography, IR, and NMR spectroscopy. Moreover, the corresponding bis(amidinates) produce blue and green emissions in THF solution. Tethered tetradentate bis(amidines) have emerged in coordination chemistry, enantioselective catalysis, as building blocks for polyfunctional heterocycles, and in photoluminescent materials. The next generation of flexible bis(amidine)/bis(amidinate) platforms with up to six N-donor sites has now been established.