Halogen
bonding is the noncovalent interaction of halogen atoms
in which they act as electron acceptors. Whereas three-center hydrogen
bond complexes, [D···H···D]+ where D is an electron donor, exist in solution as rapidly equilibrating
asymmetric species, the analogous halogen bonds, [D···X···D]+, have been observed so far only to adopt static and symmetric
geometries. Herein, we investigate whether halogen bond asymmetry,
i.e., a [D–X···D]+ bond geometry,
in which one of the D–X bonds is shorter and stronger, could
be induced by modulation of electronic or steric factors. We have
also attempted to convert a static three-center halogen bond complex
into a mixture of rapidly exchanging asymmetric isomers, [D···X–D]+ ⇄ [D–X···D]+, corresponding
to the preferred form of the analogous hydrogen bonded complexes.
Using 15N NMR, IPE NMR, and DFT, we prove that a static,
asymmetric geometry, [D–X···D]+,
is obtained upon desymmetrization of the electron density of a complex.
We demonstrate computationally that conversion into a dynamic mixture
of asymmetric geometries, [D···X–D]+ ⇄ [D–X···D]+, is achievable
upon increasing the donor–donor distance. However, due to the
high energetic gain upon formation of the three-center-four-electron
halogen bond, the assessed complex strongly prefers to form a dimer
with two static and symmetric three-center halogen bonds over a dynamic
and asymmetric halogen bonded form. Our observations indicate a vastly
different preference in the secondary bonding of H+ and
X+. Understanding the consequences of electronic and steric
influences on the strength and geometry of the three-center halogen
bond provides useful knowledge on chemical bonding and for the development
of improved halonium transfer agents.