Polymorphism and porosity in 4-[(4-hydroxy-3,5-dimethylphenyl)(5-methyl-1H-imidazol-4-yl)methyl]-2,6-dimethylphenol

Abstract

The structural aspects of the solvates and polymorphs of 4-[(4-hydroxy-3,5-dimethylphenyl)(5-methyl-1H-imidazol-4-yl)methyl]-2,6-dimethylphenol (Imbp) are discussed. Two polymorphs of Imbp, namely a non-porous (polymorph I) and porous (polymorph II) polymorph, are reported. The packing pattern of the acetone solvate is guided by strong O–H⋯N as well as weak η⁵-type N–H⋯π interactions. The packing pattern of the acetone solvate (III) is closely related to polymorph II, which has η⁴-type N–H⋯π interactions. Polymorph II reversibly absorbs acetone. On the other hand, a DMSO solvate (IV) of Imbp comprises water assisted assemblies of the host molecules encapsulating DMSO molecules. The color of the solutions of Imbp in acetone and DMSO are visually distinguishable.