Halogen-Bond-Templated [2+2] Photodimerization in the Solid State: Directed Synthesis and Rare Self-Inclusion of a Halogenated Product.

A ditopic halogen-bond acceptor organizes a diiodooctafluorostilbene for a [2+2] photodimerization reaction to take place between two stilbene molecules in the solid state. The resultant cyclobutane product is functionalized with halogen atoms and undergoes self-assembly to form a channel-type host-guest compound that exhibits a very rare form of self-inclusion.