Simultaneous observation of halogen–lone pair and halogen–π interactions of ferrocene derivatives under cryogenic conditions

Abstract

Contrasting cryosolutions and matrix isolation infrared spectroscopy, we investigate weak intermolecular interactions in complexes of iodo trifluoroethene (C₂F₃I) and N,N-dimethyl ferrocenyl amine as well as the parent ferrocene. In liquid xenon, solely the C–I⋯N halogen bond can be observed, while the confined environment in solid argon allows for the characterization of C–I⋯π and π⋯π bonded complexes.