Role of halogen atoms in the mechanical properties of para-substituted benzaldehyde oximes

Abstract

Plastic and elastic bending is common in many organic and few inorganic molecular crystals. Intermolecular interactions such as hydrogen bonding and halogen bonding play an important role in these interesting mechanical properties. Herein, we report the mechanical property of four halogen-substituted benzaldehyde oximes in which halogen⋯halogen interactions play a crucial role in displaying plastic and elastic bending properties in the crystals. The mechanical properties of benzaldehyde oxime crystals are explained by the quantitative description of intermolecular interaction energies.