Crystal engineering perspective on supramolecular architecture and electronic properties of adeninium 5-sulfoisophthalate via hirshfeld and DFT analysis

Aim Adeninium 5-sulfoisophthalate (ADSIP) is introduced as a newly investigated organic salt. The present study aims to explore its structural, electronic, and nonlinear optical (NLO) properties to understand its stability and optoelectronic behavior. Methods Density functional theory (DFT) calculations were performed using the RB3LYP functional with the 6–31G(d,p) basis set to optimize the molecular geometry and analyze the electronic structure, intermolecular interactions, and charge-transfer characteristics. Hirshfeld surface analysis was employed to quantify intermolecular contacts governing crystal packing. Additionally, MESP, NBO, ELF, LOL, and RDG–NCI analyses were carried out to investigate electrostatic features, bonding interactions, and weak intermolecular forces. Key results The results reveal the presence of strong hydrogen-bonding interactions that significantly influence crystal stability. Frontier molecular orbital analysis indicates effective charge transfer and moderate electronic stability. Hirshfeld surface analysis confirms dominant intermolecular contacts, while RDG–NCI and related analyses highlight the presence of weak noncovalent interactions. Furthermore, the calculated first-order hyperpolarizability demonstrates a notable nonlinear optical response. Conclusion Overall, the study establishes clear structure–property relationships and suggests that ADSIP is a promising candidate for optoelectronic and nonlinear optical applications.