Conformation stability and organization of mefloquine molecules in different environments

The crystal structures of mefloquine base, [C17H16F6N2O], and two salts of mefloquine: hydrochloride [(C17H17F6N2O)+]3[Cl−]3 • 3H2O and hydrochloride tetrachlorocobaltate [(C17H17F6N2O)+]3Cl−[CoCl4]2− • C2H6O • H2O, were determined by X-ray diffraction measurements. A comparison of the crystal structures of mefloquine in three different crystalline environments shows that their conformations are stable regardless of mefloquine being a base or a salt. In addition, the conformation of mefloquine is similar to those of crystalline Cinchona alkaloids. The CF3 substituents in the quinoline moiety affect the packing of molecules.