Synthesis and NMR Spectroscopic Characterization of Some Fluoro-2H-1-Benzopyran Derivatives

Abstract

The synthesis of some new fluoro-2H-1-benzopyran derivatives utilizing a reaction between titanium phenolates and β-phenylcinnamaldehydes in toluene is reported. These compounds were characterized by NMR and UV/visible spectroscopy as well as mass spectrometry. In solution all the compounds are photochromic. Complete assignment of the 1H and 13C resonances was achieved by concerted application of homonuclear (gs-COSY), proton-detected (C, H) one-bond (gs-HMQC), and long-range (gs-HMBC) heteronuclear two-dimensional chemical shift correlation experiments using a 500 MHz NMR spectrometer equipped with a cryoplatform and a 5 mm cryoprobe. The mass spectra of the different compounds were characterized by intense molecular and high fragment ions. The introduction of an atom of fluorine as a molecular probe is of interest in determining the mechanistic aspects of the photochemical process.