Competition between σ-hole pnicogen bond and π-hole tetrel bond in complexes of CF₂=CFZH₂ (Z = P, As, and Sb)

A computational study of the complexes formed by F₂C=CFZH₂ (Z = P, As, and Sb) and F₂C=CFPF₂ with two Lewis bases (NH₃ and NMe₃) has been carried out. In general, two minima complexes are found, one with a σ-hole pnicogen bond and the other one with a π-hole tetrel bond in most complexes but two σ-hole pnicogen bonded complexes are obtained for F₂C=CFZH₂ and NH₃. They have similar stability though F₂C=CFSbH₂ engages in a much stronger σ-hole pnicogen bond with NMe₃. The –PF₂ substitution makes the π-hole on the terminal carbon form a tetrel bond with NH₃. A heavier –ZH₂ group engages in a stronger σ-hole pnicogen bond but results in a weaker π-hole tetrel bond. Other than electrostatic interaction, the stability of both complexes is attributed to the charge transfer from the N lone pair into the C–Z/H–Z anti-bonding orbital in the pnicogen bond and the C=C anti-bonding orbital in the tetrel bond.

The σ-hole pnicogen bonded and π-hole tetrel bonded complexes between F₂C=CFZH₂ (Z = P, As, and Sb) and two Lewis bases (NH₃ and NMe₃) have been compared. The results indicate that both interactions can compete, dependent on the nature of the N base.