Methyl 3-(4-methoxyphenyl)prop-2-enoate

Area of Science:

• Crystallography
• Organic Chemistry
• Molecular Structure

Background:

• Understanding molecular geometry and intermolecular interactions is crucial in materials science and drug design.
• C(11)H(12)O(3) represents a class of organic compounds with potential applications.
• Previous studies may not have fully elucidated the specific crystal packing and electronic properties of this molecule.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the precise three-dimensional structure of the C(11)H(12)O(3) molecule.
• To investigate the electronic interactions and intermolecular forces governing its crystal lattice.
• To provide a detailed analysis of its molecular geometry, including bond angles and torsions.

Main Methods:

• Single-crystal X-ray diffraction was employed to analyze the molecular and crystal structure.
• Least-squares refinement was used to determine atomic positions and thermal parameters.
• Analysis of bond lengths, bond angles, and intermolecular interactions (hydrogen bonding) was performed.

Main Results:

• The molecule exhibits a near-planar conformation with an average atomic deviation of 0.146(4)Å.
• A trans geometry was observed around the C=C double bond, with twists of 9.3(3)° for the phenyl ring and 5.6(5)° for the methoxycarbonyl group.
• Charge-transfer interactions between the phenyl ring and the ester group through the double bond were inferred from angle variations.
• Molecules form zigzag chains along the c-axis via C-H...O hydrogen bonds between methoxy and ester groups.

Conclusions:

• The C(11)H(12)O(3) molecule possesses a specific near-planar geometry influenced by electronic effects.
• Intermolecular hydrogen bonding dictates the formation of extended zigzag chains in the crystal structure.
• The findings contribute to the understanding of structure-property relationships in organic crystalline materials.