Steric repulsion and supramolecular assemblies via a two-dimensional plate by C—H...O hydrogen bonds in two closely related 2-(benzofuran-2-yl)-2-oxoethyl benzoates
2-(Benzofuran-2-yl)-2-oxoethyl 2-chlorobenzoate, C17H11ClO4 (I), and 2-(benzofuran-2-yl)-2-oxoethyl 2-methoxybenzoate, C18H14O5 (II), were synthesized under mild conditions. Their chemical and molecular structures were analyzed by spectroscopic and single-crystal X-ray diffraction studies, respectively. These compounds possess different ortho-substituted functional groups on their phenyl rings, thus experiencing extra steric repulsion force within their molecules as the substituent changes from 2-chloro (I) to 2-methoxy (II). The crystal packing of compound (I) depends on weak intermolecular hydrogen bonds and π–π interactions. Molecules are related by inversion into centrosymmetric dimers via C—H...O hydrogen bonds, and further strengthened by π–π interactions between furan rings. Conversely, molecules in compound (II) are linked into alternating dimeric chains propagating along the [101] direction, which develop into a two-dimensional plate through extensive intermolecular hydrogen bonds. These plates are further stabilized by π–π and C—H...π interactions.