Crystal structure and molecular docking study of (E)-2-{[(E)-2-hydroxy-5-methylbenzylidene]hydrazinylidene}-1,2-diphenylethan-1-one

Abstract

The title compound, C22H18N2O2, is a Schiff base that exists in the phenol–imine tautomeric form and adopts an E configuration with respect to the C N bond. The molecular structure is stabilized by an O—H. . .N hydrogen bond, forming an S(6) ring motif. In the crystal, pairs of C—H. . .O hydrogen bonds link the molecules to form inversion dimers. Weak p–p stacking interactions along the a-axis direction provide additional stabilization of the crystal structure. The molecule is non-planar, the aromatic ring of the benzaldehyde residue being nearly perpendicular to the phenyl and 4-methylphenol rings with dihedral angles of 88.78 (13) and 82.26 (14)°, respectively. A molecular docking study between the title molecule and the COVID-19 main protease (PDB ID: 6LU7) was performed, showing that it is a potential agent because of its affinity and ability to adhere to the active sites of the protein.