Synthesis, crystal structure analysis, Hirshfeld surface study, and DFT investigation of amino-substituted bis(cyclohexanone) derivatives

Two amino-substituted bis(cyclohexenone) derivatives were synthesized using dimedone and substituted aldehydes. The crystal structure analysis confirmed the molecular geometry and revealed the presence of intermolecular interactions responsible for the stability of the compounds in the solid state. Theoretical studies showed that the N -methyl derivative has a HOMO–LUMO energy gap of 3.51 eV, indicating good stability and moderate reactivity. Molecular electrostatic potential analysis identified the reactive sites within the molecules. Hirshfeld surface analysis indicated that H···H and O···H interactions play a major role in crystal packing. Molecular docking studies against the target protein (PDB ID: 6O0K ) showed that both compounds exhibit good binding interactions, with the N -phenyl derivative showing the highest binding affinity of −11.03 kcal/mol. These results provide useful insights into the structural, electronic, and biological properties of the synthesized compounds. • Synthesis of 2,2′-((4-(dialkyl/arylamino)phenyl) methylene)bis(3-hydroxy-5,5-dimethylcyclohex-2-en-1-ones). • X-ray crystallographic investigations, MEP, FMO and Hirshfeld surface analysis performed.