Mechanical behaviour modulation through substituent reversal in Schiff base molecular crystals

Two structurally analogous Schiff base derivatives, NB-CN [( E )-4-((4-nitrobenzylidene)amino)benzonitrile] and CN-NB [( E )-4-(((4-nitrophenyl)imino)methyl)benzonitrile] demonstrate brittle and elastic behavior through different crystal packing.