Controlling the crystal growth of potassium iodide with a 1,1′-bis(pyridin-4-ylmethyl)-2,2′-biimidazole ligand (L) – formation of a linear [K4I4L4]n polymer with cubic [K4I4] core units

Abstract

The crystal growth of potassium iodide was controlled by using the neutral organic 1,1′-bis(pyridin-4-ylmethyl)-2,2′-biimidazole (L) ligand as a modifier. The selected modifier allows the preservation of original cubic [K₄I₄] units and their arrangement into a linear ligand-supported 1D chain. The supported [K₄I₄] cubes are only slightly distorted compared to the cubes found in pure KI salt. The N–K binding of the ligand to the KI salt, as well as weak I⋯H, N⋯H, and N⋯I interactions, stabilizes the structure to create a unique 1D polymer of neutral potassium iodide ionic salt inside the [K₄I₄L₄]_n complex.