Long-range Proton–Proton Coupling Constants in the Vinylpyridines. Conformational Preferences of the Vinyl Group and Molecular Orbital Calculations

Abstract

The p.m.r. spectra of 2-vinylpyridine, 2-methyl-5-vinylpyridine, and 4-vinylpyridine are examined for long-range coupling constants between the vinylic and ring protons. Those over six, seven, and eight bonds from the vinyl group to ring or methyl protons in the para position are dominated by a π electron mechanism. Those over five bonds between the α proton and a ring proton in the meta position indicate that the vinyl group prefers to lie cis to the nitrogen in 2-vinylpyridine but trans in the 5-vinylpyridine. INDO-MO-FPT calculations of coupling constants between vinyl protons and ring protons, carbon-13, and nitrogen-14 nuclei are presented in graphical form.