Host channel framework determined by C–H/p interaction in the inclusion crystal of 2,5-bis(diphenylmethyl)hydroquinone and benzaldehyde

A new kind of host compound, 2,5-bis(diphenylmethyl)hydroquinone is designed and prepared. The crystal structure of the inclusion compound formed by the host with benzaldehyde was determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction. The result shows that the host exhibits a stable conformation through intramolecular CH/p interactions in the inclusion crystal, and benzaldehyde guest molecules are accommodated in the channel which is constructed by the hosts, in which intermolecular C–H/p interactions between the hosts, play an important role in the architecture of channel framework besides van der Waal’s forces. The complex structure is further stabilized by strong hydrogen bonding (O1–H1/O10) and two weak C–H/O interactions (C50–H50/O1, C3–H3/O10) between the host and guest. q 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.