Deformation of polyiodides in Cs2I8 crystals at high pressure

Dicaesium octaiodide is composed of layers of zigzag polyiodide units (I8 2−) intercalated with caesium cations. Each I8 2− unit is built of two triiodides bridged with one diiodine molecules. This system was subjected to compression up to 5.9 GPa under hydrostatic conditions. Pressure alters the supramolecular architecture around I8 2−, leading to bending of the triiodide units away from their energetically preferred geometry (D ∞h). Short I2...I3 − contacts compress significantly, reaching lengths typical for the covalently bonded polyiodides. Unlike in reported structures at ambient conditions, pressure-induced catenation proceeds without symmetrization of the polyiodides, pointing to a different electron-transfer mechanism. The structure is shown to be half as compressible [B0 = 12.9 (4) GPa] than the similar CsI3 structure. The high bulk modulus is associated with higher I—I connectivity and a more compact cationic net, than in CsI3. The small discontinuity in the compressibility trend around 3 GPa suggests formation of more covalent I—I bonds. The potential sources of this discontinuity and its implication on the electronic properties of Cs2I8 are discussed.

Review and Perspectives on the Structure–Function Relationships of the Gag Subunits of Feline Immunodeficiency Virus

The Gag polyprotein is implied in the budding as well as the establishment of the supramolecular architecture of infectious retroviral particles. It is also involved in the early phases of the replication of retroviruses by protecting and transporting the viral genome towards the nucleus of the infected cell until its integration in the host genome. Therefore, understanding the structure–function relationships of the Gag subunits is crucial as each of them can represent a therapeutic target. Though the field has been explored for some time in the area of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), it is only in the last decade that structural data on Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) Gag subunits have emerged. As FIV is an important veterinary issue, both in domestic cats and endangered feline species, such data are of prime importance for the development of anti-FIV molecules targeting Gag. This review will focus on the recent advances and perspectives on the structure–function relationships of each subunit of the FIV Gag polyprotein.

Crystal structure and Hirshfeld surface analysis of bis[(ethoxymethanethioyl)sulfanido](N,N,N′,N′-tetramethylethane-1,2-diamine)mercury(II)

The title four-coordinate mononuclear complex, [Hg(C3H5OS2)2(C6H16N2)] or [Hg(C3H5OS2)2(tmeda)] (tmeda: N,N,N′,N′-tetramethylethane-1,2-diamine), has a distorted tetrahedral geometry. The HgII ion is coordinated to two N atoms of the N,N,N′,N′-tetramethylethylenediamine ligand and two S atoms from two ethylxanthate xanthate ligands. In the crystal, molecules are linked by weak C—H...S hydrogen bonds, forming a two-dimensional supramolecular architecture in the ab plane. The most important contributions for the crystal packing are from H...H (59.3%), S...H (27.4%) and O...H (7.5%) interactions.

Inulin nanostructures: The sweet-spot of carbohydrate self-assembly

Supramolecular architecture formation by the self-assembly of proteins and nucleic acids is well studied. Yet, the spontaneous organization of oligosaccharides, the most common polymers in nature, is less explored. Here, using inulin as a model, we identify the "sweet spot" length for oligosaccharide assembly. Inulin forms discrete spheres in a concentration-dependent manner. Size-based fractionation displayed markedly different aggregation morphologies. Based on these findings, we believe that carbohydrates could become an important source for novel self-assembling materials.

4-(2,3-Dichlorophenyl)piperazin-1-ium picrate

The title compound, C6H2N3O7 −·C10H13Cl2N2 +, crystallizes with one 1-(2,3-dichloro-phenyl)piperazine (DP) cation and one picrate (PA) anion in the asymmetric unit. In the crystal structure, the DP cation and PA anion are interconnected via several N—H...O and C—H...O hydrogen bonds. The DP cation and PA anion are further connected through C—Cl...π [3.8201 (4), 3.7785 (4) Å] and N—O...π [3.7814 (4) Å] interactions. The DP cations are further interconnected via a weak intermolecular Cl...Cl [3.2613 (4) Å] halogen–halogen interaction. The combination of these supramolecular interactions leads to a herringbone like supramolecular architecture.

Reversible Water Ad-/Desorption Behavior of a 3D Polycatenation Network, [Zn(bpp)(BDC)]·1.5(H2O), Constructed by 2D Undulated Layered MOF

A three-dimensional (3D) polycatenation supramolecular network with chemical formulas, [Zn(bpp)(BDC)]·1.5H2O (1), (bpp = 1,3-bis(4-pyridyl)propane, BDC2- = dianion of terephthalic acid), was synthesized and structurally determined. In compound 1, the coordination geometry of Zn(II) ion is distorted tetrahedral, where its 2D undulated layered framework is constructed via the bridges of Zn(II) ions with bpp and BDC2− ligands. Adjacent 2D layers are arranged in a combined parallel and interpenetrated manner to complete its 3D polycatenation supramolecular architecture. Compound 1 shows a one-step dehydration process with the weight losses of 6.1 %, approximately equal to the weight percentage of losing 1.5 guest water molecules. The cyclic thermogravimetric analysis reveals that compound 1 shows reversible, sponge-like water de-/adsorption behavior during de-/rehydration processes. Compound 1 also exhibits significant water vapor hysteresis isotherm.