N⋯I halogen bonding supported stabilization of a discrete pseudo-linear [I 12 ] 2− polyiodide

An unprecedented discrete nearly linear dodecaiodide, [I 12 ] 2− , can be stabilized via N⋯I and cation⋯I − interactions using a dicationic template based on the 1,4-diazabicyclo[2.2.2]octane (DABCO) diamine.