Exploring the intermolecular interactions in Co-crystals of 4-cyanopyridine with 4-bromobenzoic acid: Experimental and computational methods

Abstract

In present work, we have performed synthesis, quantitative and qualitative analysis of the different intermolecular interactions present in 4-Cyanopyridine:4-bromobenzoic acid(1:1) Co-crystal. The single crystal X-ray diffraction confirms the Co-crystal crystallizes in the P1¯ space group with one molecule of 4-cyanopyridine and 4-bromobenzoic acid in the asymmetric unit. The Co-crystal is mainly stabilized by presence of strong C-H…O and O-H…N interactions. Computational studies confirms, along with strong hydrogen bonds C-H…Br, C-H…N, N…Br and π…π interactions plays a significant role in stabilizing the crystal packing. Lattice energy of the compound is calculated using PIXEL method. Hirshfeld surface analysis and fingerprint plots helped in analysing percentage contribution of each intermolecular interaction towards crystal packing. Topological properties of intermolecular interactions are studied based on QTAIM approach. CSD studies shows presence of isostructural polymorph of 4-Cyanopyridine:4-bromobenzoic acid Co-crystal. Later both polymorphs are compared using different computational tools.