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Updated: May 31, 2026

Synthesis of Indoxyl-glycosides for Detection of Glycosidase Activities
Published on: May 27, 2015
2-[(Eth-oxy-carbonothio-yl)sulfan-yl]acetic acid
Shude Xiao1, Renpeng Gu, Paul A Charpentier
1Department of Chemical and Biochemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, The University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada N6A 5B9.
This study details the crystal structure of a xanthate compound (C5H8O3S2), revealing shorter C-S and C-O bonds within the xanthate group. These molecules form inversion dimers through hydrogen bonding in the crystal lattice.
Area of Science:
- Crystallography
- Chemical bonding analysis
- Organic chemistry
Background:
- Xanthate compounds are versatile organic molecules with applications in various chemical processes.
- Understanding the precise molecular geometry and intermolecular interactions is crucial for predicting chemical behavior.
- Crystal structure analysis provides detailed insights into molecular arrangement and bonding.
Purpose of the Study:
- To elucidate the crystal structure of the title xanthate compound (C5H8O3S2).
- To analyze the bond lengths and intermolecular interactions within the crystal lattice.
- To investigate the role of hydrogen bonding in the self-assembly of the compound.
Main Methods:
- Single-crystal X-ray diffraction was employed to determine the molecular structure.
- Analysis of bond lengths (C-S, C-O) and angles within the xanthate functional group.
- Identification and characterization of intermolecular interactions, specifically O-H⋯O hydrogen bonds.
Main Results:
- The crystal structure of C5H8O3S2 was successfully determined.
- Shorter C-S and C-O bond lengths were observed within the xanthate moiety compared to adjacent bonds.
- Inversion dimers were identified, formed by pairs of O-H⋯O hydrogen bonds, indicating specific intermolecular associations.
Conclusions:
- The structural analysis confirms the presence of a xanthate functional group with distinct bond characteristics.
- Hydrogen bonding plays a significant role in organizing the crystal structure through the formation of inversion dimers.
- The findings contribute to the understanding of xanthate chemistry and crystal engineering principles.
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