Arylazoimidazoliumchloride and chlorometallates: Spectroscopic and structural characterization

Protonation or dialkylation of 2-(arylazo)imidazoles (RaaiH) has generated azoimidazolium motif (RaaiH2+, RaaiR′H+, RaaiR′2+ where R = H, CH3 and R′ = Me, Et, –CH2Ph). Electrostatic attraction between imdazolium cation and counter ions like Cl−, ZnCl 4 2 - , PtCl 6 2 - has generated hydrogen bonded azoimidazolium-chloride/chlorometallated networks. The single crystal X-ray structure of 1-benzyl-2-(phenylazo)imidazolium chloride shows tape like 1-D network of [Cl(H2O)4]−. Aquated Cl− forms 10 membered supracycle through hydrogen bonding with imidazolium ion. The X-ray structures of [HaaiMe2 (1,3)]+[Me2NH2]+ [ZnCl4]2− and [MeaaiH2+·H2O]2[PtCl6]2− show hydrogen bonded chlorometallate chain penetrated into the channel developed by organic motif. Azoimidazolium units are associated through π···π and C–H···π interactions to strengthen the supramolecular geometry.