Organoiodine complexes: Structural and functional variety

The present review summarizes the results of structural studies of organoiodine complexes. Particular emphasis is given to the role of intermolecular interactions such as halogen—halogen (I…I), hydrophobic, fy—fy stacking, and hydrogen bonds (C—H…I) in the formation of supramolecular iodine-containing architectures. The molecular formula, size, shape, and stability of the polyhalide ion and the way of its coordination by an outer-sphere cation or an organic macromolecule depend on the nature and symmetry of the cationic environment, the ability of a solvating solvent to form complexes with iodine, and the conditions of the synthesis. Efforts have been made to highlight a structural and functional variety of iodine-containing complexes and estimate the prospects of using them as organic conductors, magnetic materials, liquid electrolytes, and biologically active compounds.