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A state of independents: rationalising the high Z' crystal structures of shikimate esters

Lookup NU author(s): Ronnie Ragbirsingh, Dr Michael HallORCiD, Professor Mike ProbertORCiD, Dr Paul Waddell

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This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (CC BY 4.0).


Abstract

Zˈ is a parameter used to denote the number of symmetry-independent molecules in the asymmetric unit of a crystal structure. High Zˈ (>1) crystal structures are relatively uncommon and are thought to arise through competition between intermolecular interactions of similar strength. As such high Zˈ crystal structures are challenging to predict, new examples are valuable in improving understanding in the field. Herein, we report the X-ray crystal structures of a series of shikimate esters, the asymmetric units of which exhibit high Zˈ values. Of special interest is the crystal structure of methyl shikimate, the asymmetric unit of which comprises 12 independent molecules; Zˈ = 12. This uncommonly large Zˈ value arises through a combination of factors, including the intrinsic homochirality of the molecule, the conformational inflexibility of the cyclohexene ring, the presence of multiple hydrogen bonding motifs, and both the cis- and trans-conformers of the ester moiety. Comparison of the X-ray crystal structures of shikimic acid, methyl shikimate, ethyl shikimate, and iso-propyl shikimate suggests that instances of high Zˈ in this series correlate with specific hydrogen bonding motifs influenced by the steric bulk of the ester. The results of this study provide important insights into factors that influence the formation of organic crystal structures where the value of Zˈ is greater than 1.


Publication metadata

Author(s): Ragbirsingh R, Hall MJ, Probert MR, Waddell PG

Publication type: Article

Publication status: Published

Journal: Crystal Growth & Design

Year: 2024

Volume: 24

Issue: 3

Pages: 1429-1437

Print publication date: 07/02/2024

Online publication date: 16/01/2024

Acceptance date: 08/01/2024

Date deposited: 17/01/2024

ISSN (print): 1528-7483

ISSN (electronic): 1528-7505

Publisher: American Chemical Society

URL: https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.cgd.3c01383

DOI: 10.1021/acs.cgd.3c01383


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Funding

Funder referenceFunder name
EP/F03637X/1EPSRC
EPSRC
MT16117

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