A proton magnetie resonance and molecular orbital study of the conformational preferences of the vinylic fragment in some 2-vinylfurans and in 2-vinylthiophene

The stereospecific spin–spin coupling constants over five bonds between the α-proton in the side chain and the protons in the heterocycle in 2-vinylfuran, in its β-nitro and β-aldehydic derivatives, and in 2-vinylthiophene are used to demonstrate the preponderance of the s-trans conformers in polar and nonpolar solutions. These conclusions are compared with predictions made by molecular orbital theory at the STO-3G, INDO, CNDO/2, and MINDO/3 levels. Long-range coupling constants between the protons in the side chain and protons in the heterocycle are calculated by CNDO/2 and INDO–MO–FPT and are compared with experiment. It is concluded that the five-bond couplings involving the α-proton are most sensitive to conformation and that they are transmitted mainly via a σ electron mechanism. The other long-range coupling constants are discussed in terms of σ and π electron mechanisms. The STO-3G calculations yield barriers to internal rotation of greater than 4.8 kcal/mol.