The conformational behaviour of 5Jm(F,CH) in 3,5-difluoro derivatives of toluene, ethylbenzene, and cumene. Applications
The CNDO/2 and INDO MO FPT values for 5Jm(F,CH3) in 3-fluoro- and 3,5-difluorotoluene are exactly reproduced by A cos2 θ + B sin2 θ + C sin2 (θ/2). Here θ is the angle by which the α C—H bond twists out of the benzene plane. Adjustment of A,B, and C to give an agreement with experiment for 3,5-difluorotoluene yields an equation, best considered empirical, which is tested by 5J(F,CH) in 3,5-difluoroethylbenzene and 3,5-difluoroisopropylbenzene. The equation reproduces 5J(F,CH) in these two compounds, the values of [Formula: see text] being derived from 6Jp(H,CH), the spin–spin coupling constants over six bonds between the α and para ring protons. 5J(F,CH) is obtained for the asymmetrical compounds, 2,3-difluorobenzylidene diacetate and 2-bromo-5-fluorobenzylidene diacetate. It is shown how 5J(F,CH) in the latter can discriminate between two conformers, each of which, on the basis of 6J(H,CH), will be characterized by a large degree of torsion about the [Formula: see text] bond.