Clues from an ionic cocrystal structure: from catalysis to mechanochemistry

Abstract

A crystal structure is no longer conceived as a static entity; rather, it often mirrors crystallization pathways, linking crystal structures with a solution scenario. In this study, taking a clue from a previously reported ionic cocrystal structure, an in situ acetic acid-based catalytic protocol is developed for the N-acylation of amines using ester sources. In addition to better catalytic efficiency, this in situ approach was extended further to a mechanochemistry protocol in the context of a multicomponent reaction. This points towards a broader applicability of crystal structures that goes beyond the domain of structural chemistry and delves into catalysis and mechanosynthesis.