Structural characterization of straight-chain trioxides and their metal and organometallic complexesSiljanovska Virant, Ana (Avtor) Cerkovnik, Janez (Mentor) trioxidanecrystal structurecocrystalshydrogen bondsperoxidesNHCThe aim of this thesis was to gain insight into the structure of the elusive trioxidane molecule (H$_2$O$_3$) and its derivatives by different methods of stabilization and subsequent structural characterization by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. First, an optimized preparation of pure H$_2$O$_3$ solutions is presented and the use of molecular sieves as desiccants was investigated. It was shown that although these sieves effectively reduce the water content, they also contribute to the gradual degradation of H$_2$O$_3$. To gain structural insights into H$_2$O$_3$ in the solid state, various crystallization approaches were evaluated. Salts of weakly coordinating anions (WCAs) were tested for complex formation with trioxidane. Insight into the structure and stability of the hypothesized complexes was also gained through a preliminary DFT study. In an effort to capture H$_2$O$_3$ by hydrogen bonding, organopnictogen(V) oxides were investigated as potential hydrogen-bond acceptors. A novel and efficient synthetic route for Ph$_3$AsO was developed, which led to a systematic crystallographic study of hydrogen-bonded cocrystals with this compound. Several new cocrystals of Ph$_3$AsO with H$_2$O$_2$ and gem-dihydroperoxides were obtained and structurally characterized. Hydrogen peroxide was shown to form a chair-like cocrystal arrangement, [Ph$_3$AsO·H$_2$O$_2$]$_2$·H$_2$O$_2$, stabilized by moderate hydrogen bonding, which increases its stability and allows potential use in organic oxidation reactions. This is the first systematic study of hydrogen-bonded cocrystals with Ph$_3$AsO, expanding the understanding of its chemistry and demonstrating its potential for crystal engineering. The success of Ph$_3$AsO as a hydrogen-bond acceptor and coformer with H$_2$O$_2$ and gem‑dihydroperoxides prompted us to investigate its hydrogen-bonding propensity towards H$_2$O$_3$. The formation of hydrogen bonds enabled the crystallization of Ph$_3$AsO cocrystals with H$_2$O$_3$. This is the first structure of anti-H$_2$O$_3$ in the solid-state bonded to two Ph$_3$AsO·H$_2$O moieties. In addition, the stability of the adduct in solution was monitored by low-temperature NMR spectroscopy. The range of hydrogen-bond acceptors was extended to phosphine oxides, with Ph$_3$PO and Me$_3$PO leading to single crystals. In the cocrystal with Ph$_3$PO, trioxidane is present in its syn form. This is the first structural information about the less stable conformer of H$_2$O$_3$. The bulkiness of the phenyl rings provides prolonged stability, so that a Raman spectrum of the crystal could be recorded at room temperature. However, the trioxidane molecule in both cocrystals was found to be disordered. Me3PO proved to be the most suitable hydrogen-bond acceptor for cocrystal formation, as trioxidane in this structure is well embedded as anti-H$_2$O$_3$ between the small Me$_3$PO molecules and the geometric parameters could be defined in detail. In addition, an optimized synthetic route for the sterically shielding NHC ligand IPr** is reported. This ligand was used to synthesize a series of copper and silver complexes, including an air‑sensitive hydrido complex capable of O$_3$ insertion. Finally, the results of this work are of fundamental importance for the structural elucidation of short-lived, unstable, exotic molecules. In addition, low‑temperature isolation and characterization techniques, which are relevant to a variety of scientific fields, were developed and perfected. 20262026-02-09 12:40:00Doktorsko delo/naloga179253sl