Supramolecular Assembly of Benzimidazole Derivatives and Applications

Abstract

Herein, we focus on the chemical and physical properties of benzimidazole and its derivatives used for the synthesis of supramolecular materials. The design and modification of benzimidazole opens the scope of the diversity of structures (different sizes and morphologies) that can be built. The synthesized materials include not only small coordination complexes but also isolated crystals, metal-organic frameworks, metal-coordination polymers, smart nanocontainers, and more advanced macrostructures such as microflowers and nanowires. These supramolecular structures are based on noncovalent interactions, mostly on metal coordination chemistry and π-π stacking interactions. Moreover, the same molecule, due to its chemical structure, can undergo both sorts of interactions in order to induce the self-assembly into supramolecular materials. In this process, as it is shown in this chapter, the conditions used for the assembly determine the final structure and morphology of the fabricated macromolecule. Finally, we show most recent applications of these materials in the field of sensing, photoluminescence, fuel cell, and fabrication of new nanostructures.

Linking the Thermal and Electronic Properties of Functional Dicationic Salts with Their Molecular Structures

“…Moreover, the effects of anions on T m did not follow the orders commonly found in monocationic ionic liquids, and links to anion properties such as size and basicity were difficult to conclude for benzimidazolium salts. The low T m values of the [NTf 2 ] − salt relative to the Br – , [BF 4 ] − , [OTf] − , and [PF 6 ] − analogues suggested that charge diffuse anions with a large volume could disrupt the π–π stacking commonly found in benzimidazolium derivatives . In this work, we observed an increase in T m when Br – was exchanged for the larger [PF 6 ] − anion in both [(C 8 Im) 2 Py]­[A] 2 and [(C 8 BzIm) 2 Py]­[A] 2 .…”

Homoconjugation and Tautomeric Isomerism in Triptycene-Fused Pyridylbenzimidazoles

“…Benzimidazoles have important roles in several fields. Being an essential part of biomolecules, such as vitamin B 12 , they are widely known for their therapeutic, antimicrobial, and analgesic properties. , In the field of organic materials, hydrogen bonds can limit processability, , but they can also be a useful tool for programmed self-assembly; in recent years, there has been more interest in the use of benzimidazole derivatives for achieving self-assembled supramolecular structures. − In addition, benzimidazole is a well-known N-donor ligand for the formation of coordination complexes. − …”