Theoretical predict structure and property of the novel CL-20/2,4-DNI cocrystal by systematic search approach

Cocrystallization integrates the merits of high energy and insensitivity between energetic molecules to obtain energetics with satisfying performance. However, how to obtain supramolecular synthons accurately and rapidly for predicting the structure and property of cocrystal remains a challenging problem. In this research, an efficient systematic search approach to predict CL-20/2,4-DNI cocrystal has been proposed that 2,4-DNI revolves around CL-20 with a stoichiometric ratio of 1:1 in accordance with the specified rules (hydrogen bond length: 2.2–3.0 Å; search radius: 6.5 Å; the number of hydrogen bond: 1–3). Eight possible supramolecular synthons were obtained by combining quantum chemistry with molecular mechanics. Crystal structure prediction indicated that there are four structures in cocrystal, namely P21/c, P212121, Pbca and Pna21, and CL-20/2,4-DNI cocrystal is likely to be P21/c and the corresponding cell parameters are Z = 4, a = 8.28 Å, b = 12.17 Å, c = 20.42 Å, α = 90°, β = 96.94°, γ = 90°, and ρ = 1.9353 g/cm³. To further study the intermolecular interaction of CL-20/2,4-DNI cocrystal, a series of theoretical analyses were employed including intermolecular interaction energy, electrostatic potential (ESP), Density of State (DOS), Hirshfeld surface analysis. The C–H⋯O hydrogen bonds are demonstrated as the predominant driving forces in the cocrystal formation. The mechanical properties and detonation properties of CL-20/2,4-DNI cocrystal implies that the cocrystal shows better ductility and excellent detonation performances (9257 m/s, 39.27 GPa) and can serve as a promising energetic material. Cocrystal structure predicted was compared with the experimental one to verify the accuracy of systematic search approach. There is a less than 8.8% error between experiment and predict results, indicating the systematic search approach has extremely high reliability and accuracy. The systematic search approach can be a new strategy to search supramolecular synthons and identify structures effectively and does have the potential to promote the development of energetic cocrystal by theoretical design.