5,5′-Bis(hydroxymethyl)-3,3′-dimethoxybiphenyl-2,2′-diol with a new three-dimensional 3-modal topology of synthons

Abstract

The title lignin model compound, C(16)H(18)O(6), resides on a twofold axis parallel with the b axis, with the mid-point of the internal C-C(-x+1, y, -z+1/2) bond located on the twofold axis. The exo angles between the methoxy groups and the benzene rings deviate significantly from the expected value of 120° [125.15 (7) and 114.27 (6)°]. A 12-coordinated 3-modal three-dimensional net with a new topology was identified on the synthon level. A comparison of the flexibility of related o,o'-disubstituted biphenyl derivatives and biphenyl is presented, with the angles between the ring planes in substituted biphenyls found to be in the range 40-70°.