A theoretical view on the stereochemistry of 1,3-benzoxazol-2-(3H)-ylidenes obtained from double vinylic substitution

An Acad Bras Cienc. 2024 Aug 23;96(3):e20240156. doi: 10.1590/0001-3765202420240156. eCollection 2024.

Abstract

2-(1,3-Benzoxazol-2(3H)-ylidene)-3-oxo-3-phenylpropanenitrile (1) and methyl-2-(1,3-benzoxazol-2(3H)-ylidene)(cyano)acetate (2) are observed as single isomers by NMR spectroscopy. A theoretical study was carried out to investigate if this is due to the exclusive presence of the most stable diastereoisomer or if the ene moiety undergoes fast rotation, thereby allowing for the observation of an average conformer. Indeed, the pronounced stabilization of the E stereoisomer, attributed to intramolecular hydrogen bonding, makes it the single obtained product.

MeSH terms

  • Benzoxazoles* / chemistry
  • Hydrogen Bonding
  • Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy*
  • Molecular Structure
  • Stereoisomerism

Substances

  • Benzoxazoles