Crystal structure of (S)-1-O-tert-butyldiphenylsilylglycerol: eight chiral molecules in a triclinic cell

Abstract

The asymmetric unit of the title compound {systematic name: 3-[(tert-butyldiphenylsilyl)oxy]propane-1,2-diol, C19H26O3Si}, contains eight chiral molecules (Z′ = 8). These molecules are connected via a complex system of hydrogen bonds into an infinite assembly along the [100] axis; hydrophobic tert-butyl and phenyl groups form an external coating of the assembly. These assemblies are packed by weak intermolecular interactions in a peculiar formation resembling a `header bond' masonry brick wall. Disorder of flexible fragments increases with temperature but the same crystal structure exists from 120 to 220 K (and most probably to the melting point at 334 K).