Synthesis, Spectroscopic Characterization, Single-Crystal Structure, Hirshfeld Surface Analysis, and Antimicrobial Studies of 3-Acetoxy-2-methylbenzoic Anhydride

[Image: see text] We report a novel anhydride derivative, 3-acetoxy-2-methylbenzoic anhydride (AMA), obtained from the interaction of 3-acetoxy-2-methylbenzoyl chloride with 3-acetoxy-2-methylbenzoic acid. The synthesized compound was characterized by elemental analysis, IR, (1)H NMR, and (13)C NMR spectroscopic studies and single-crystal X-ray crystallography which revealed the crystallization of AMA as monoclinic with space group P2(1)/c. A Hirshfeld surface analysis was performed to record various intermolecular interactions, indicating the stabilization of the AMA structure by the intermolecular weak C–H···O hydrogen bonds and π···π interactions. The title compound was screened for antibacterial and antifungal activities using a serial dilution technique under aseptic conditions. The results indicate that the title compound has significant antibacterial properties but showed no antifungal behavior.