Dibenzylimidazolium Halides: From Complex Molecular Network in Solid State to Simple Dimer in Solution and in Gas Phase

1,3-Dibenzylimidazolium bromide has been synthesized and the nature of the interactions between cations and anions has been studied in the solid state, in solution and in the gas phase. The cohesion of the crystal is ensured by a combination of hydrogen bonds, and aromatic stacking interactions. In solution and in the gas phase, the supramolecular structural organization due to T-stacking is maintained to a great extent.