Self-assembly of [UO 2 X 4 ] 2− (X=Cl, Br) dianions with γ substituted pyridinium cations: Structural systematics and fluorescence properties

Abstract Room temperature self-assembly of [UO 2 X 4 ] 2− ( X =Cl, Br) with γ substituted pyridinium cations has resulted in the formation of twelve compounds that were studied via single crystal X-ray diffraction and fluorescence spectroscopy. Systematic variation of electron donating groups on the pyridinium species is shown to influence the presence and/or strength of various supramolecular synthons, including hydrogen bonding and pi interactions. Combinations of such non-covalent interactions (NCIs) have given rise to a range of supramolecular assemblies, and are shown to influence uranyl emission by way of second sphere coordination to equatorial ligands.