Insights into the nature of weak noncovalent interactions in 3-(4-fluorophenyl)-6-(2-fluorophenyl)-1,2,4-triazolo[3,4- b ][1,3,4]thiadiazole, a potential bioactive agent: X-ray, QTAIM and molecular docking analysis

A thorough examination of weak interactions present in the crystal structure of the title compound was investigated. Intramolecular C H⋯N and F⋯S interactions make the molecule as fused 6,5,5,5,6,6-membered ring system. Two of the closely related structures show 1D-isostructurality with the title compound. The crystal structure is stabilized by different types of weak intermolecular C H⋯N, C H⋯F, C H···π and S···π and π···π interactions. The first two strongest dimers are stabilized by stacking interactions. The nature of these interactions and their role was established through quantum theory of atoms-in-molecules approach. The Hirshfeld surface analysis clearly reveals that the para -substituted fluorine substantially change the contribution of intermolecular H⋯H and H⋯C contacts. The molecular docking analysis suggests that the title compound shows anti-inflammatory activity and selective against cyclooxygenase-1 (COX-1) enzyme and the 2-fluorophenyl and triazole moieties of the title compound are involved in the π···π interactions with active site aromatic residues.