The directional polymeric chain of [(BiCl5)2−]n in 2,2′-Bi(2-1H-imidazolium) pentachlorobismuthate dihydrate

The title compound, (C6H6N4)(BiCl5) · 2H2O, is built up by 2,2′-bi(2-1H-imidazolium) dications and (BiCl5)2− anions. Distorted BiCl6 octahedra are joined with each other alternatively to form [(BiCl5)2−]n polymeric chains, where the bridging chlorine atoms are shared by two octahedra. The lone pair at the Bi atom shows obviously stereochemical activity, leading to distortion of the BiCl6 octahedra and formation of the chain directionality. In solid state, the chains are stabilized by O-H···Cl and C-H···Cl hydrogen bonds.