Self-Assembly of an Anionic [CuI] Supramolecular Cluster Driven by Ion-Pair Interaction and Catalytic Properties.

The rational design and controlling synthesis of an anionic cuprous iodide supramolecular cluster with high nuclearity through noncovalent interactions remains a significant challenge. Herein, a cationic organic ligand () was driven by anion-cation ion-pair electrostatic interaction to induce free cuprous iodide to aggregate into an anionic supramolecular cluster, [(CuI)()] (). Moreover, five copper(I) atoms bind with eight iodides through multiply bridged Cu-I bonds associated with intramolecular cuprophilic interactions in this butterfly-shaped cluster core.