Comprehensive analysis of florasulam: crystal structure, reactivity, sensitivity, and bioactivity using structural, spectroscopic, and computational approaches

The title compound, N-(2,6-difluorophenyl)-8-fluoro-5-methoxy-[1,2,4]triazolo[1,5-c]pyrimidine-2-sulfonamide (Florasulam), a triazolopyrimidine sulfonanilide herbicide, was investigated using experimental and computational techniques. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction revealed a V-shaped geometry stabilized by intramolecular C–F···π interactions and a unique 1D ribbon packing formed through N–H···N, C–H···O, and S = O···π interactions. Hirshfeld surface and energy framework analyses confirmed the nature and strength of intermolecular forces. DFT and TD-DFT calculations provided insights into optimized geometry, vibrational frequencies, and electronic transitions consistent with experimental spectra. The HOMO–LUMO gap indicated high chemical stability, while MEP analysis highlighted reactive sites. Autoxidation susceptibility was assessed through bond dissociation energies. Molecular docking against ALS (Acetolactate Synthase) proteins demonstrated strong binding affinity, supported by molecular dynamics simulations confirming protein–ligand complex stability. This integrative study highlights Florasulam’s potential in herbicide design.