(E)-Methyl 3-(3,4-dihy-droxy-phen-yl)acrylate.

Area of Science:

• Crystallography
• Supramolecular Chemistry
• Organic Chemistry

Background:

• Caffeic acid esters are important natural compounds with diverse biological activities.
• Understanding their crystal structure is crucial for elucidating their properties and interactions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the crystal structure of a specific caffeic acid ester (C10H10O4).
• To analyze the hydrogen bonding network and intermolecular interactions within the crystal lattice.

Main Methods:

• Single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis was employed to determine the molecular and crystal structure.
• Analysis of hydrogen bonds (O-H⋯O and C-H⋯O) and van der Waals interactions was performed.

Main Results:

• The crystal structure reveals a specific angle between the benzene ring and the C-C-C-O linker (4.4(1)°).
• Intra- and intermolecular O-H⋯O hydrogen bonds are observed, involving the hydroxy groups.
• Molecules form head-to-head dimers stabilized by O-H⋯O bonds, which further assemble into supermolecular chains.
• The 3D architecture is further stabilized by C-H⋯O hydrogen bonds and van der Waals forces.

Conclusions:

• The study elucidates the detailed supramolecular assembly of a caffeic acid ester in the solid state.
• Hydrogen bonding plays a critical role in organizing molecules into dimers, chains, and the overall 3D crystal packing.
• The findings provide insights into the structure-property relationships of caffeic acid derivatives.