Determination of absolute configuration using heavy atom based co-crystallization method: Halogen atom effects

•Halogen atom based co-crystals for determination of absolute configuration for chiral molecules were synthesized.•Three cholestanol co-crystals and one l-ascorbic acid co–crystal were obtained.•Changing the halogen atoms affects the co–crystal formation and the ability to determine absolute configuration.

Heavy atom (chloride, bromide, and iodide) based co-crystals for determination of absolute configuration (AC) for chiral molecules were synthesized and evaluated. Co-crystals of cholestanol and l-ascorbic acid were analysed and the effects and potential benefits of varying the heavy atom are discussed. Changing the halogen atoms (chloride, bromide, or iodide) affects the co–crystal formation, X-ray absorption, and anomalous dispersion, and hence the ability to determine AC.

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