Modulation of π character upon complexation captured by molecular rotation spectra

Abstract

Two configurations of the furan–CF₃Cl complex have been observed by high-resolution rotational spectroscopy. One is characterized by a dominant Cl lone pair⋯π*_aromatic interaction and the other is stabilized by a C–Cl···π_-CC– halogen bond. This is the first rotational spectroscopic evidence, to the best of our knowledge, that shows how a complexation with a partner like CF₃Cl (the weak lone pair belt of Cl, to be more specific) can modulate both the aromatic π* and diene π characters of a heteroaromatic molecule in the formation of non-covalent interactions. The results emphasize the partner molecules’ role in modulating the π electron structure and will not only deepen our understanding on non-covalent interactions but also lead to better designs of heteroaromatic-based drugs and materials.