Lead encapsulation by a golden clamp through multiple electrostatic, metallophilic, hydrogen bonding and weak interactions

Abstract

The structure of the complex [{Pb(HBpz₃)}{Au₃(o-C₆BrF₄)₃(HBpz₃)}] consists of a host–guest heterometallic system built up through a plethora of interactions including electrostatic, metallophilic, H-bonding, Au⋯Br or weak C⋯C or Pb⋯Br contacts. Computational studies show that the dispersive interactions are responsible for the attraction of the Pb(II) cationic moiety within the basket-like trinuclear Au(I) fragment, whereas the ionic component of the interaction placed at the rings produces a molecular clamp.