Crystal structure of β-benzyl dl-aspartate N-carboxyanhydride

Abstract

In the title racemic compound, C12H11NO5 [systematic name: benzyl 2-(2,5-dioxooxazolidin-4-yl)acetate], the oxazolidine ring is planar, with an r.m.s. deviation of 0.03 Å. The benzyl ring is almost normal to the oxazolidine ring, making a dihedral angle of 80.11 (12)°. In the crystal, inversion dimers are formed between the l- and d-enantiomers via pairs of N—H...O hydrogen bonds. This arrangement is favourable for the polymerization of the compound in the solid state. The dimers are linked by C—H...O hydrogen bonds, forming layers parallel to the ab plane.

Keywords

• crystal structure
• solid state polymerization
• amino acid
• N-carboxyanhydride
• hydrogen bonding