Host channel framework determined by C-H⋯π interaction in the inclusion crystal of 2,5-bis(diphenylmethyl)hydroquinone and benzaldehyde

A new kind of host compound, 2,5-bis(diphenylmethyl)hydroquinone is designed and prepared. The crystal structure of the inclusion compound formed by the host with benzaldehyde was determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction. The result shows that the host exhibits a stable conformation through intramolecular CH⋯π interactions in the inclusion crystal, and benzaldehyde guest molecules are accommodated in the channel which is constructed by the hosts, in which intermolecular C-H⋯π interactions between the hosts, play an important role in the architecture of channel framework besides van der Waal's forces. The complex structure is further stabilized by strong hydrogen bonding (O1-H1⋯O1′) and two weak C-H⋯O interactions (C5′-H5′⋯O1, C3-H3⋯O1′) between the host and guest.