Lone pair···π interactions on the stabilization of intra and intermolecular arrangements of coordination compounds with 2-methyl imidazole and benzimidazole derivatives

Spectroscopic and single crystal X-ray diffraction studies of coordination compounds of Co^II, Ni^II, Zn^II, and Pd^II with phenylsulfonyl imidazole and benzimidazole derivatives (2-mfsiz, 2-mfsbz) were performed. The relevance of non-covalent interactions on the stabilization of intra and intermolecular arrangements in the ligands and their coordination compounds was investigated. The imidazole 2-mfsiz ligand presents two enantiomeric conformers, where the ethylphenylsulfone moiety stabilizes intermolecular lone pair···π (S–O···π_(phe)) and H···π contacts, while its tetrahedral coordination compounds, [M(2-mfsiz)₂X₂] (M²⁺ = Co, Ni, Zn; X = Cl, Br) showed intramolecular lone pair···π interactions (S–O···π_(iz)). On the other hand, compounds [Cu₂(2-mfsiz)₂(µ₂-AcO)₄] and trans-[Pd(2-mfsiz)₂Cl₂] do not present lone pair···π interactions due to the metal ion geometry (square base pyramidal or square planar), which leads to formation of π_(iz)···π_(phe) interactions. For the benzimidazole ligand 2-mfsbz, an intramolecular, H_(phe)···π_(bz) contact was observed, remaining in its tetrahedral and octahedral coordination compounds, [M(2-mfsbz)₂X₂] (M²⁺ = Co, Zn; X = Cl, Br, NO₃). This interaction limits the free rotation of the ethylphenylsulfone moiety for stabilization of an intermolecular lone pair···π interaction (S–O···π_(iz)). The dimeric [Zn₂(2-mfsiz)₂(µ²-AcO)₄] compound has a π_(bz)···π_(phe) contact. Theoretical calculations confirmed the non-covalent interactions in the ligands and their coordination compounds.